16/10/2013  Shatin  Race 5

GOLDEN GUNNERS shifted out at the start and bumped HELLO KIMBERLEY. FORZA was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was bumped by MAROON PRINCE which shifted out. Passing the 600 Metres, SUPREME HONG KONG and FORZA bumped. Throughout the race, HELLO KIMBERLEY travelled wide and without cover. Whilst the Stewards were of the opinion that the riding of N Pinna over the concluding stages did not have any bearing on FORZA’s final finishing position, nonetheless he was advised to ensure that he rides his mounts out at least hands and heels all the way to the finishing line wherever possible. When questioned regarding the performance of MAROON PRINCE, W C Marwing stated that the horse, which was fractious in the Parade Ring, was standing well in the barriers until a number of horses which were drawn towards the outside became fractious. He said when this happened, MAROON PRINCE was inclined to sit back in the stalls and as the start was effected bounded in the air and lost ground. He said because of this MAROON PRINCE was obliged to be ridden from the rear of the field which was in contrast to his instructions to have it in a forward position. He added he rode MAROON PRINCE along throughout the race in an endeavour to have it improve its position and after responding well to his riding in the early part of the Straight, the horse’s run ended inside the final 100 Metres which, in his opinion, was understandable given the amount of work it had to do to make up lost ground. Before being allowed to race again, MAROON PRINCE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. A veterinary inspection of MAROON PRINCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN GUNNERS immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. MAROON PRINCE, LOADS OF JOY and PALEPALE were sent for sampling.