30/11/2014  Shatin  Race 1

TRIUMPHANT WAY began only fairly. As the start was effected, both KING ON EARTH and WINNING BOY lifted their front feet off the ground and consequently began awkwardly. Near the 1100 Metres, GO SANDY GO, which was proving difficult to settle, got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPARKLING SWORD. Approaching the 500 Metres, FLORAL MAN became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by JUN JU which was crowded for room by KING ON EARTH which got its head on the side and shifted ground when awkwardly placed close to the heels of WINNING BOY. WINNING BOY was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 400 Metres, SPURS ON was steadied when disappointed for running between ALL THE WINNERS and FOREVER GENKI. After this, SPURS ON and FOREVER GENKI raced tight. Near the 350 Metres, KING ON EARTH was steadied away from the heels of WINNING BOY which shifted out. KING ON EARTH and then had difficulty securing clear running until after the 200 Metres. Passing the 300 Metres, GOLD PRECIOUS was shifted to the inside of TRIUMPHANT WAY to obtain clear running. For some distance after the 300 Metres, JUN JU and GO SANDY GO made contact when racing tight as a result of JUN JU shifting out into clear running. Over the concluding stages, KIDS AND WIN was inclined to lay in under pressure. In the Straight, FLORAL MAN hung in under pressure. Throughout the race, TRIUMPHANT DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Whyte stated that he had been asked to ride GOLD PRECIOUS in a midfield position or in advance of midfield but with cover if possible from the outside barrier. He said he had ridden GOLD PRECIOUS in a barrier trial in the lead up to today’s race and it had performed well when ridden in a midfield position with cover. He said on jumping he immediately observed that SPARKLING SWORD was being vigorously ridden from barrier 11 and that TRIUMPHANT DRAGON had begun well and after urging GOLD PRECIOUS along for some strides in the early stages, he believed that too much use would have had to be made of GOLD PRECIOUS to obtain a forward position and moreover it then may have been left racing without cover which was an integral part of his instructions. He said therefore he felt that it was in the best interests of GOLD PRECIOUS to shift it across behind runners and ensure it was able to obtain cover. He added the horse travelled comfortably in the early stages behind JUN JU, a horse he believed would be a strong chance in the race and which he felt would be able to take him into the race at the required time. A veterinary inspection of SKY FIRE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SKY FIRE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SKY FIRE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of FOREVER GENKI and, FLORAL MAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GOLD PRECIOUS, SPARKLING SWORD and JUN JU were sent for sampling.