13/12/2015  Shatin  Race 6

PHOTON WILLIE was crowded for room on jumping between TRAVEL FIRST and PIKACHU which got its head on the side and shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. APOLLO'S CHOICE, which began awkwardly, and WAH MAY FRIEND bumped at the start. As the start was effected, REGENCY KING lifted its front feet off the ground and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Also from the outside barrier, WINNING LEADER was taken across behind runners in the early stages. For some distance after the 700 Metres, APOLLO'S CHOICE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FANTASTIC KAKA. Passing the 350 Metres, WAH MAY FRIEND was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BRILLIANT SHINE after being initially disappointed for running outside that horse. PHOTON WILLIE, which was following, was shifted in away from the heels of WAH MAY FRIEND in consequence. Approaching the 300 Metres, SICHUAN DAR and REGENCY KING made contact as SICHUAN DAR improved into tight running outside WINNING LEADER. Then passing the 300 Metres, SICHUAN DAR was awkwardly placed outside the heels of WINNING LEADER when that horse was taken out by VICTORY MAGIC which was taken wider by ISHVARA. Passing the 300 Metres, PIKACHU was shifted in away from the heels of FANTASTIC KAKA which was giving ground in order to obtain clear running. Throughout the race, BRILLIANT SHINE travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards interviewed M Demuro regarding his riding out of WAH MAY FRIEND over the concluding stages. M Demuro was advised that as the Stewards could not be satisfied to the requisite degree that WAH MAY FRIEND would have finished in front of TRAVEL FIRST, having in mind that he stopped riding his horse over about the final two strides and also having regard to the neck margin between the horses at the end of the race, nonetheless he was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he rides his mounts out all the way to the end of the race where circumstances permit. After the race, B Prebble (FANTASTIC KAKA) reported that the horse did not feel comfortable in its action over the latter stages of the race. A veterinary inspection of FANTASTIC KAKA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, FANTASTIC KAKA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of PHOTON WILLIE and BRILLIANT DREAM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VICTORY MAGIC, WERTHER and APOLLO'S CHOICE were sent for sampling.