16/10/2013  Shatin  Race 4

PINK SOLDIER and OLE OLE bumped at the start. Near the 1300 Metres, WIN ALONG was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TARREGA. After the 1200 Metres, SUISSE D’OR was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 1100 Metres, WIN ALONG was steadied away from the heels of SHANTARAAM which shifted in. At the entrance to the Straight, GOLDWEAVER was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOOD LUCK WIN. Passing the 300 Metres, RIYADH was shifted out away from the heels of GOLDWEAVER and then over the concluding stages was awkwardly placed outside the heels of PRINCE OF SUNSHINE. When questioned regarding the improved performance of DANESOUTH, Trainer Y S Tsui stated that his instructions on how DANESOUTH, which was only having its third start for his stable tonight, should be ridden had been consistent. He said he had always asked the rider to attempt to have DANESOUTH in a forward position, however, the horse had not shown speed in the early stages of its two prior races. He said tonight DANESOUTH, which was required to carry significantly less weight than had been the case in its first two races this campaign, was able to take up a forward position and he believed that this was a significant factor in the horse’s improved performance. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TARREGA, D Whyte stated that it had been intended for the horse to be ridden in a forward position. He said in the early stages GOLDWEAVER, which was positioned to the inside of TARREGA, was being aggressively ridden along and he expected that horse to retain the lead with TARREGA positioned to its outside. He said passing the 1400 Metres he was aware that DANESOUTH, GOOD LUCK WIN and SHANTARAAM were all being ridden along in forward positions and he felt that it was in the best interests of TARREGA not to engage in a speed battle for the lead and for this reason he allowed GOOD LUCK WIN initially and then DANESOUTH to cross TARREGA. He said TARREGA travelled well when ridden behind the speed and following the eventual winner DANESOUTH. He added rounding the Home Turn he commenced to ride TARREGA along to remain racing behind DANESOUTH when that horse quickened. He said however that TARREGA came off the bit and did not show the same turn of foot as DANESOUTH and immediately commenced to give ground. He said in the Straight, despite being ridden along, TARREGA gave ground and seemed to race in a manner which indicated that the horse may have a problem. Trainer D J Hall stated that TARREGA did not have to do too much track work since its last start to maintain fitness and that it had pleased him leading into tonight’s race which led him to believe the horse would be a strong chance. He confirmed that he asked Jockey Whyte to take up a forward position on TARREGA, but if other horses were intent on leading, he should not be reluctant to take a trailing position on TARREGA and accordingly he was completely satisfied with the manner in which the horse was ridden. He added at this time he was not able to offer any explanation for the horse’s disappointing performance and he would monitor its progress in the days subsequent to tonight’s race to establish whether there are any underlying issues which might explain the disappointing run. A veterinary inspection of TARREGA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of TARREGA was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TARREGA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of JOLLY GOOD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TARREGA, PRINCE OF SUNSHINE, DANESOUTH and WIN ALONG were sent for sampling.