26/10/2014  Shatin  Race 11

On jumping, KABAYAN was crowded for room between MR GNOCCHI which was bumped by WINNING LEADER which shifted in and BUSINESS AS USUAL which shifted out. After the 1000 Metres, KABAYAN raced tight inside WINNING LEADER which was taken in by ASHKIYR which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the tightening to runners to its inside. Near the 500 Metres, KHAYA was hampered when obtaining a tight run inside KABAYAN. After the 300 Metres, KABAYAN and WINNING LEADER raced tight. For some distance after the 200 Metres, KHAYA was held up for clear running behind MR GNOCCHI. KHAYA was then shifted in after the 100 Metres to obtain clear running. Over the concluding stages, ENTHUSIASM raced tight outside MR GNOCCHI. Throughout the race, ASHKIYR and BEAUTY LEAD travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, J Moreira stated that it had been intended for KHAYA to be ridden in a forward position as it was at its most recent start when successful. He said after being loaded KHAYA became fractious and was constantly on the move. He said as the start was effected the horse was leaning on the inside of the barrier and he was unable to get it to stand correctly despite the assistance of a starting gate handler. He said as the gates opened KHAYA began very awkwardly, resulting in the horse losing ground. He said he was aware that KHAYA had performed in a similar manner last season. He added when KHAYA began badly, he did not believe it was in the horse’s best interests to then ride it forward as he felt that this would more than likely take too much out of the horse with the consequence of it being unable to finish off the race. He said therefore he elected to shift KHAYA across behind runners in the early stages and ride it for luck. Before being allowed to race again, KHAYA will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. A veterinary inspection of KABAYAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. KHAYA, PACKING LLAREGYB and BEAUTY FLAME were sent for sampling.