06/10/2013  Shatin  Race 4

PERFECT HEDGE was withdrawn on 5.10.13 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SUPER TIGER (K Teetan). Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT HEDGE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ORIENTAL FANTASIA was slow to begin. LUCKY DAY began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped SANTA FE SUN. LUCKY DAY then raced tight between SANTA FE SUN and CONFUCIUS ELITE a short distance after the start. From wide barriers, KYNAM and CONFUCIUS ELITE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1100 Metres, D’ RISING STAR got its head on the side and shifted in across the heels of GREAT ALEXANDER. Passing the 1000 Metres, LOVELY PANDA got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HINYUEN PALADIN. Approaching the 700 Metres, SANTA FE SUN was crowded for room between T-BOLT and ROCKET PROUD which was shifted out away from the heels of EASY SUCCESS. After this, SANTA FE SUN had to be ridden along to maintain its position. ROCKET PROUD was badly held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn and in the Straight until passing the 200 Metres. Approaching the 300 Metres, SANTE FE SUN, which had been endeavouring to obtain clear running between T-BOLT and LUCKY DAY, was checked when crowded for room between T-BOLT and LUCKY DAY, which after initially getting its head on the side and shifting in towards the hindquarters of LOVELY PANDA, then shifted out and away from that horse which itself shifted ground slightly. As there was no carelessness exhibited by any rider in this incident, but rather that it was attributed to the racing manners of LUCKY DAY, no further action was taken. Passing the 250 Metres, EASY SUCCESS, which was attempting to improve into clear running between LOVELY PANDA and GREAT ALEXANDER (C K Tong), was checked when disappointed for running as a result of GREAT ALEXANDER shifting out. C K Tong was severely reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mount sooner than he did on this occasion. After the 200 Metres, D’ RISING STAR got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly. For the majority of the race, LOVELY PANDA travelled wide and without cover. Throughout the race, T-BOLT travelled wide and without cover. SANTA FE SUN, LUCKY DAY and D’ RISING STAR were sent for sampling.