12/10/2013  Shatin  Race 5

After being loaded, FULL OF FUN became fractious. FULL OF FUN then began awkwardly. Before being allowed to race again, FULL OF FUN will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. DRAGON GLORY bounded in the air as the start was effected. LUCKY BONUS began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped SAMMY’S FALCON. WIN IT and ORIENTAL FANTASIA were badly hampered when crowded for room between AMBITIOUS GLORY and WINNING ADVANTAGE which shifted out abruptly at the start. LET ME GO began awkwardly, shifted out and made contact with the hindquarters of WINNING BOY. A short distance after the start, LET ME GO was checked when crowded for room between SAFARI MAGIC which was taken out by YOUNG WARRIOR and WINNING BOY which got its head on the side and shifted in after becoming unbalanced. From the outside barrier, JUN JU was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early stages, WINNING BOY got its head up on a number of occasions when proving difficult to settle. Passing the 400 Metres, YOUNG WARRIOR got its head on the side and lay in behind ORIENTAL FANTASTIA. JUN JU was unable to obtain clear running until after the 300 Metres. Approaching and passing the 100 Metres, WINNING ADVANTAGE was checked away from the heels of AMBITIOUS GLORY which was giving ground. When questioned, H W Lai stated that he had been instructed to position AMBITIOUS GLORY in about midfield with cover as the horse was having its first start over 1400 Metres. He said in accordance with his instructions, he commenced to shift AMBITIOUS GLORY across to obtain a midfield position despite the fact that the horse began very well. He said he had hoped, after the 1200 Metres, to obtain a position behind WINNING ADVANTAGE, however, WINNING BOY was ridden along to improve its position to be racing behind WINNING ADVANTAGE and because of this he was left racing without cover and four wide near the 1000 Metres. He added as it was apparent to him that he would not be able to obtain cover, he allowed his mount to improve ahead of WINNING ADVANTAGE, however, he was not able to obtain a position closer than three wide and was obliged to race without cover throughout. He said AMBITIOUS GLORY quickened well in the early part of the Straight, however, came under pressure passing the 200 Metres and then hung out over the concluding stages. Trainer K L Man stated that he was concerned that if AMBITIOUS GLORY was to be ridden in a forward position attempting 1400 Metres for the first time and with top weight, the horse may not be able to close off the race. He said for this reason, although AMBITIOUS GLORY had drawn barrier 13, he felt it would be more advantageous for the horse to obtain cover and be ridden more quietly than had previously been the case so as to ensure that AMBITIOUS GLORY was able to see out the distance. He added however that it was apparent that the circumstances of the race went against AMBITIOUS GLORY in that H W Lai was not able to obtain cover. Mr Man was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he should provide instructions to his riders which are not so binding as to inhibit their ability to use initiative and judgement, particularly given that AMBITIOUS GLORY had drawn barrier 13 in this race. A veterinary inspection of WINNING BOY immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. LUCKY BONUS, LET ME GO and DRAGON GLORY were sent for sampling.