11/12/2016  Shatin  Race 9

On arrival at the Start, concern was raised regarding the action of MYTHICAL EMPEROR. MYTHICAL EMPEROR was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said after the necessary consultations that the horse was suitable to race. BORNTOACHIEVE began awkwardly and then was hampered by MR STUNNING which shifted out. MYTHICAL EMPEROR and HIT THE BID bumped on jumping. A short distance after the start, CLEVER BEAVER blundered. From a wide barrier, HEROIC GURU was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1100 Metres, MYTHICAL EMPEROR (Apprentice H T Mo), which was being ridden along, shifted out abruptly, resulting in HIT THE BID being taken out across the running of LINE SEEKER which was checked. Apprentice Mo was advised that in similar circumstances he should make every endeavour to keep his mounts on a straight course. Near the 850 Metres, MYTHICAL EMPEROR was steadied to avoid the heels of MR STUNNING (J Moreira) which shifted in when not quite clear. J Moreira was advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in future. Passing the 800 Metres, MALMSTEEN got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of CLEVER BEAVER. Throughout the race, BORNTOACHIEVE travelled wide and without cover and after the 800 Metres NEW ASIA SUNRISE was similarly left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 600 Metres, HIT THE BID was hampered when awkwardly placed close to the heels of MARVEL TRIBE. Passing the 500 Metres, MERION was shifted out away from the heels of TURF SPRINT. Approaching the 350 Metres, LET US WIN was badly hampered when attempting to improve into tight running between SUPER LEADER and HIT THE BID which was taken out by LINE SEEKER (Z Purton). As the Stewards were satisfied that LET US WIN had not properly established running between SUPER LEADER and HIT THE BID, Z Purton was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. In this incident, SUPER LEADER became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by LET US WIN. For some distance after this, HIT THE BID raced tight outside LINE SEEKER. Passing the 300 Metres, MALMSTEEN (S de Sousa) was directed to the outside of CLEVER BEAVER after being disappointed for running between that horse and SUPER LEADER. When MALMSTEEN shifted out, BORNTOACHIEVE was momentarily steadied away from the heels of that horse. S de Sousa was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Near the 150 Metres, HIT THE BID, which was giving ground, was steadied when crowded for room between HEROIC GURU and LET US WIN, both of which shifted ground. When questioned, S de Sousa stated that he had been asked to ride MALMSTEEN more patiently as the horse had recently not been finishing off its races when ridden in a forward position. MR STUNNING and MERION were sent for sampling.