26/12/2007  Shatin  Race 5

On jumping, MISSION was crowded for room between CONQUEROR and FORTUNE GALLOP, both of which shifted ground. REDHILL COMMANDER began awkwardly, then lost further ground when crowded for room between MY FAITH and SUPER FIGHTER, both of which shifted ground. In the early stages, ISTIDE proved difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. At the 700 Metres, ACTIVE VALOUR was steadied away from the heels of SPECIAL DRAGON which at this time came back to race in a position behind PICTURE PERFECT which had shifted away from the rail to race outside the leader. SUPER FIGHTER, which was following, was steadied in consequence. Shortly after this, SPECIAL DRAGON was bumped by REDHILL COMMANDER which became unbalanced and shifted out. At the 500 Metres, FIRST KNIGHT became unbalanced and bounded in the air. From on straightening until near the 200 Metres, SUPER FIGHTER had difficulty obtaining clear running and on several occasions was steadied when disappointed for clear running. After the 300 Metres, SERIOUS PLAY was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of REDHILL COMMANDER which was giving ground. Also after the 300 Metres, FORTUNE GALLOP was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of SUPREME GOLD which was giving ground. Throughout the race, CONQUEROR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding in the early part of the Straight, G Boss (MY FAITH) explained he improved to race behind the leaders on straightening. He said shortly after this TABBRIS which had led the race commenced to give ground and REDHILL COMMANDER which was racing to the outside of MY FAITH also failed to quicken. He said between the 300 Metres until near the 200 Metres he was held up and unable to improve between those horses and whilst narrow running did exist, REDHILL COMMANDER was shifting ground when racing tight inside SUPER FIGHTER. He said near the 200 Metres REDHILL COMMANDER shifted out, he immediately commenced to ride MY FAITH along and the horse closed the race off nicely. G Boss was told his explanation would be reported. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SUPREME GOLD, D Whyte explained the intention had been to ride the horse as close to the lead as possible. He said after beginning reasonably, he rode SUPREME GOLD along, however, the horse which was having its first start in blinkers today failed to muster speed and got further back than intended. He said throughout the race SUPREME GOLD travelled wide and without cover, however, even given this the horse was initially entitled to respond to his riding when placed under pressure making the Home Turn. He said SUPREME GOLD did not respond to his riding and commenced to give ground shortly after straightening. SUPREME GOLD was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME GOLD after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUPREME GOLD was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPREME GOLD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the improved performance of MISSION, Mr C H Yip, trainer of the horse, said in his opinion the horse was suited by the increase in distance of today’s race and also appreciated racing in blinkers for the first time. He said when wearing blinkers in work, MISSION had showed some improvement, however, it had indicated to him it would be better suited being ridden by a senior rider. He said because of this he engaged C Soumillon to ride MISSION today in preference to claiming riders who had ridden the horse in the past. FIRST KNIGHT and PICTURE PERFECT were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FIRST KNIGHT and PICTURE PERFECT after the race did not show any significant findings. MISSION and ACTIVE VALOUR were sent for sampling.