24/11/2013  Shatin  Race 4

RED ADVENTURE was slow to begin. From wide barriers, GOOD TIMES ROLL and DOUBLE MOON were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. IDYLLIC WIND was shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain a position closer to the rail. Approaching the 1000 Metres, RED ADVENTURE was steadied after being awkwardly placed inside the heels of MAGICAL BEAM (O Doleuze) which shifted in. O Doleuze was advised to exercise more care. After the 1000 Metres, DOUBLE MOON was checked away from the heels of CONFUCIUS ELITE. IDYLLIC WIND had difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 200 Metres. At the 200 Metres, CONFUCIUS ELITE, which was giving ground, was crowded for room between INFINITE COURAGE which, after initially being awkwardly placed inside the heels of DOUBLE MOON which was laying in, got its head on the side and shifted in of its own accord and CAVALE which was taken out marginally by IDYLLIC WIND. As the Stewards were of the opinion that there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. Over the concluding stages, GOOD TIMES ROLL had difficulty obtaining clear running. In the Straight, NO TIES hung in and proved difficult to ride. For the majority of the race, INFINITE COURAGE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding out of MAGICAL BEAM over the final 200 Metres, O Doleuze stated that approaching the 200 Metres he shifted MAGICAL BEAM to the outside of PILLOWIN in order to take advantage of a run which was available between that horse and the eventual winner, FORTUNE TERRITORY. He said his mount was reluctant to shift to the outside of PILLOWIN, however, he was able to position the horse to take advantage of the run despite MAGICAL BEAM laying in. He said approaching the 150 Metres he was disappointed for running between PILLOWIN and FORTUNE TERRITORY which shifted in and therefore he attempted to shift MAGICAL BEAM to the outside of FORTUNE TERRITORY. He said however MAGICAL BEAM continued to prove reluctant to shift to the outside of that horse and when he was awkwardly placed inside the heels of FORTUNE TERRITORY, he allowed the horse to shift back in to take advantage of any runs which may become available to the inside. He added after doing this, MAGICAL BEAM was held up for clear running although near the 50 Metres a run appeared as though it may again develop between PILLOWIN and FORTUNE TERRITORY. He said however that there was not sufficient room to improve into running between these horses and therefore over the concluding stages MAGICAL BEAM had to be checked away from the heels of FORTUNE TERRITORY when it continued to be held up behind that horse. O Doleuze stated that it was his intention to come to the outside of FORTUNE TERRITORY, however, MAGICAL BEAM was not co-operating and made it difficult for him to shift to the outside of that horse. O Doleuze was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have made more of an attempt to extricate MAGICAL BEAM from behind FORTUNE TERRITORY into clear running despite the fact that his mount was hanging in. He was further advised to ensure that at all times he rides his mounts in such a manner so as to afford them clear and uninterrupted running wherever possible. A veterinary inspection of TREASURE MAN immediately following the race revealed the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, TREASURE MAN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TREASURE MAN, FORTUNE TERRITORY and BOLD TACK were sent for sampling.