24/02/2008  Shatin  Race 4

DANZIGMOUNTAIN was slow to begin. CALL ME CULLEN, which was standing with its head turned to the right, was slow to begin. TALE OF FRIENDSHIP and SILVERBIRD began awkwardly. On jumping, LUCKY WORLD got its head up. G Boss (HAPPY ASH) was charged with a breach of the careless riding Rule in that near the 1300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of NATURAL ECHO, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be checked. When NATURAL ECHO checked, TALE OF FRIENDSHIP, CHINSOLA and COULDN’T CARE LESS, which were following, were hampered in consequence. G Boss pleaded not guilty to the charge. Having considered the further submissions put by G Boss, the Stewards could not be satisfied to the requisite standard that the charge ought be sustained, therefore the matter was not proceeded with. In the early part of the Straight, COULDN’T CARE LESS had difficulty obtaining clear running. Throughout the race, MASTER YING travelled wide and without cover and making the Home Turn and in the Straight hung in. When questioned regarding the improved performance of BAUHINIA, Mr S Woods, trainer of the horse, said at its most recent start on turf BAUHINIA did not handle the yielding track conditions. He said in BAUHINIA’s race prior to that start the horse had performed satisfactorily when beaten just over 4 lengths on the All Weather surface. He said today BAUHINIA appreciated returning to the All Weather surface and he had engaged a claiming rider to lessen the weight carried by BAUHINIA. He said from the inside barrier BAUHINIA was able to obtain a favourable position behind the lead and in his opinion these factors accounted for the improved performance. He did say BAUHINIA was given some chance in today’s race by the stable. When questioned regarding the poor performance of CHINSOLA, G Mossé said the intention had been to have the horse ridden prominently if possible. He said in accordance with those instructions he rode along in the early stages, however, CHINSOLA did not respond to his riding, got much further back than was anticipated and at no stage of the race travelled comfortably. He was unable to offer any explanation for the performance of the horse. G Boss was unable to offer any explanation for the poor performance of HAPPY ASH. He said his mount was able to obtain a forward position and travelled comfortably in the run, however, when placed under pressure prior to straightening failed to respond to his riding. CHINSOLA and HAPPY ASH were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CHINSOLA and HAPPY ASH after the race did not show any significant findings. TALE OF FRIENDSHIP, BAUHINIA and STARFINDER were sent for sampling.