27/09/2014  Shatin  Race 9

AMBITIOUS CHAMPION began only fairly. Approaching the 1400 Metres, BULLISH SMART, PRINCIPAL and AMBITIOUS CHAMPION were all badly crowded for room inside CLUB LIFE which shifted in away from ETON BLITZ despite the efforts of its rider, O Doleuze, to prevent CLUB LIFE from shifting in. Accordingly no further action was taken. After this, AMBITIOUS CHAMPION commenced to prove difficult to settle and after the 1300 Metres was steadied away from the heels of CLUB LIFE which shifted in when not properly clear. In the circumstances, O Doleuze was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances. After the 1100 Metres, AMBITIOUS CHAMPION, which was continuing to prove difficult to settle, was left racing without cover and was allowed to stride forward after the 1000 Metres. Making the turn at the 900 Metres, BULLISH SMART momentarily shifted out away from the heels of FORGIVE AND FORGET and in doing so bumped PRINCIPAL. BEST TANGO, which was following, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BULLISH SMART in consequence. After the 800 Metres, KEEN TACTICS was left racing wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, CLUB LIFE and KEEN TACTICS raced tight as CLUB LIFE shifted out into clear running. FORGIVE AND FORGET was held up for clear running until near the 250 Metres. BEST TANGO had difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 200 Metres. BULLISH SMART was unable to obtain clear running at any stage in the Straight and consequently was not tested. When questioned, O Doleuze stated that he had been instructed to ride CLUB LIFE positively, however, if the rider of another runner was intent on leading, he should take a seat off that horse. He said CLUB LIFE began awkwardly and he rode his mount along in the early stages to take up a forward position as instructed. He said passing the 1400 Metres CLUB LIFE became very awkward and he had to take measures to prevent CLUB LIFE from shifting ground and causing significant interference. He said when he did this, EATON BLITZ was able to obtain a margin over CLUB LIFE and he elected to allow that horse to cross to the rail in the lead with a view to racing to its outside. He said when AMBITIOUS CHAMPION was allowed to stride forward after the 900 Metres in advance of CLUB LIFE, he elected to allow that horse to continue in front of CLUB LIFE as he did not want to become engaged in a speed battle with that horse. He added this provided CLUB LIFE with cover and he was able to shift to the outside of AMBITIOUS CHAMPION at the entrance to the Straight into clear running. A veterinary inspection of CLUB LIFE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PRINCIPAL, GRAND ELITE and GOOD CHOICE were sent for sampling.