25/02/2018  Shatin  Race 4

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that I’M A WITNESS had lost its right front plate, resulting in the horse having to be replated. I’M A WITNESS was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. This resulted in a delay to the start of the race. GRACIOUS RYDER shifted out at the start and bumped MY WINNER which became unbalanced, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of PEARL CHAMPION, resulting in both MY WINNER and PEARL CHAMPION becoming unbalanced and MY WINNER losing ground. MANAGEMENT STAR began only fairly. A short distance after the start, FRESH POWER, after racing tight between I’M A WITNESS and HANDSOME BO BO, was shifted across to obtain cover from a wide barrier. Approaching the 1000 Metres, CHIU CHOW KID was awkwardly placed inside the heels of MANAGEMENT STAR. When being steadied to obtain cover after the 1000 Metres, LITTLE BIRD travelled keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, MY WINNER commenced to race ungenerously and shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOLDEN DASH which got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of I’M A WITNESS. Passing the 800 Metres, GRACIOUS RYDER was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of MY WINNER which continued to shift ground when racing greenly. After being awkwardly placed outside GOLDEN DASH (Apprentice H T Mo) after the 200 Metres, LITTLE BIRD was steadied away from the heels of GOLDEN DASH and shifted to the inside of that horse due to GOLDEN DASH shifting out under pressure. Apprentice Mo was severely reprimanded and advised in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mount. Passing the 150 Metres, CHIU CHOW KID was shifted in away from the heels of I’M A WITNESS which was giving ground. Throughout the race, LA BOMBA travelled wide and without cover and in the middle stages got its head on the side and lay out. A veterinary inspection of I’M A WITNESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HANDSOME BO BO and BINGO were sent for sampling.