01/02/2015  Shatin  Race 2

MASSIVE MOVE was slow to begin. ALL FRIENDS began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, VICTOR EMPEROR was steadied away from the heels of DIAMOND MASTER which shifted out. Passing the 800 Metres, ALL FRIENDS was crowded for room outside VICTOR EMPEROR which, when endeavouring to improve to the outside of ART OF SUCCESS, was awkwardly placed outside that horse which shifted ground. Passing the 500 Metres, CODE STAR was crowded for room outside ALL FRIENDS which was hampered when crowded for room outside SEASONS KING which got its head on the side and shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of UNIQUE JOYFUL. In this incident, SEASONS KING became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by ALL FRIENDS. Near the 300 Metres, RAY OF GOLD was momentarily crowded for room between DIAMOND MASTER and UNIQUE JOYFUL which, after shifting in, was then directed out by its rider to relieve the tightening to RAY OF GOLD. Over the concluding stages, RAY OF GOLD and DIAMOND MASTER raced tight. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if DO YOU GET IT had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from Jockey D Whyte and the Starter, Mr T McGovern. After viewing the official videos, it was established that as the start was effected, DO YOU GET IT became fractious and reared, resulting in the horse losing a considerable amount of ground. As the Stewards were satisfied that DO YOU GET IT had caused its own issues, it was deemed to have been afforded a fair start and accordingly was ruled to be a runner. Before being allowed to race again, DO YOU GET IT will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. When questioned, M Guyon stated that he had been asked to ride DIAMOND MASTER in a similar manner to that when it was ridden at its most recent start when successful, that was to obtain cover in about 4th or 5th position if possible. He said however that from barrier 2, he had some difficulty in steadying DIAMOND MASTER in the early stages and the horse got its head up on a number of occasions and proved difficult to settle. He said he had hoped to obtain a position with cover behind the eventual winner ELITE SPIRIT, however, due to the manner in which DIAMOND MASTER was racing, he was not able to obtain that position and was left racing inside and behind that horse throughout the race. He added that, in his opinion, today’s disappointing performance could be attributed to the fact that DIAMOND MASTER had been obliged to race without cover from an inside draw. A veterinary inspection of DIAMOND MASTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ELITE SPIRIT and MASSIVE MOVE were sent for sampling.