16/03/2014  Shatin  Race 2

After being loaded, RIBOT LEGACY (M L Yeung) became fractious, sat down and got its right front leg over into the adjoining stall occupied by BIG SHOT. RIBOT LEGACY was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, RIBOT LEGACY was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. BIG SHOT was also removed from the stalls and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, RIBOT LEGACY will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. M L Yeung was subsequently examined by the Club’s medical officers who advised that he was fit to fulfil his remaining riding engagements. MR VANILLA began only fairly. Shortly after the start, NEWS SUPREME was crowded for room between REBORN TO WIN which initially shifted out and HIT THE BID which shifted in. At the 400 Metres, MR VANILLA was checked after attempting to improve between TAKE THE CURRENT which was commencing to give ground and REBORN TO WIN where there was insufficient room. Throughout the race, HIT THE BID and GO SANDY GO travelled wide and without cover. The performance of TAKE THE CURRENT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TAKE THE CURRENT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that, from the outside barrier, he had been asked to shift CALIFORNIA ROCK, which was having its first race start today, across behind runners in the early stages. He said although CALIFORNIA ROCK had been ridden in forward positions in its barrier trials leading up to today’s race, it was felt that if the horse was not able to cross the field to its inside with ease, it may be required to cover unnecessary ground and be trapped wide. He said for this reason it was felt that it would be in CALIFORNIA ROCK’s best interests to be ridden with cover behind the field. He said in accordance with his instructions he shifted CALIFORNIA ROCK across behind runners in the early stages, however, the horse got its head on the side and was initially reluctant to shift in towards the rail. He said then making the turn near the 800 Metres CALIFORNIA ROCK shifted in abruptly towards the inside rail and became unbalanced in its action. He added he rode CALIFORNIA ROCK along after this in an endeavour to improve its position as it was at the tail of the field, however, the horse raced greenly and was reluctant to improve its position. He said he continued to ride CALIFORNIA ROCK along rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, however, CALIFORNIA ROCK got its head on the side and hung out under pressure in the Straight and as GO SANDY GO was awkwardly placed to his outside, he was reluctant to use the whip on the horse. He said despite not being able to use the whip on CALIFORNIA ROCK, he was able to ride it out hands and heels and the horse made up steady ground in the run to the finishing line. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA ROCK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BIG SHOT, which weakened badly in the Straight, immediately following the race found that horse to be a “roarer”. NUMERO UNO and REBORN TO WIN were sent for sampling.