08/02/2014  Shatin  Race 10

GLORIOUS RYDER was withdrawn on 7.2.14 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind). Before being allowed to race again, GLORIOUS RYDER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GRIFFINDOR, which became fractious just prior to the start being effected, began awkwardly. REAL GENEROUS was slow to begin and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, REAL GENEROUS will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. From the outside barrier, AGIAAL was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the turn near the 900 Metres, BACKBENCH BLUES lost ground when crowded for room inside IMPERIAL CONCORDE which got its head on the side and lay in despite the efforts of its rider. On a number of occasions in the Straight, BACKBENCH BLUES shifted out abruptly under pressure. When BACKBENCH BLUES shifted out abruptly at the 350 Metre, AGIAAL was steadied and shifted to the inside of the heels of that horse. For the majority of the race, RED DANCER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MIGHTY K, Z Purton stated that, from barrier 10, he had been asked to shift MIGHTY K across behind runners in the early stages as it had previously raced well when ridden in this manner. He said he was also asked to shift MIGHTY K to the outside of runners in the Straight to make his finishing run. He said when being shifted across behind runners in the early stages, MIGHTY K initially travelled strongly, however, unexpectedly came off the bridle after the 1300 Metres and he had to ride it aggressively to maintain its position behind GIGGLES FOREVER. He said he had to continue to ride MIGHTY K along until after the 900 Metres and it was only at this point that MIGHTY K commenced to travel more kindly. He added MIGHTY K picked up the bit after the 800 Metres and gave him the impression that it would then finish off the race, however, when the field quickened after the 500 Metres, MIGHTY K again came off the bridle and despite being ridden out did not respond and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of MIGHTY K immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MIGHTY K was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MIGHTY K will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FLAME HERO and GIGGLES FOREVER were sent for sampling.