24/01/2009  Shatin  Race 8

SUNNY KING got its head up at the start and lost ground. GREEN BIRDIE was slow into stride. In the early stages, BULLISH CASH became detached from the field and then trailed the field throughout. BULLISH CASH was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of BULLISH CASH after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of BULLISH CASH was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BULLISH CASH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On straightening, SIGHT WINNER, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of EGYPTIAN RA. At the 250 Metres, SIGHT WINNER was checked when disappointed for running between SUNNY KING and GREEN BIRDIE which after getting its head on the side and momentarily shifting out shifted back in. JACKPOT DELIGHT, which was following, was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of SIGHT WINNER. In the Straight, EGYPTIAN RA hung in. H W Lai (JOY AND FUN) explained he had been instructed to ride the horse in 3rd or 4th position if possible. He said JOY AND FUN began well and he allowed his horse in the initial stages to go forward. He said after the 1500 Metres when it appeared to him that SIGHT WINNER would hold its position to his inside and therefore he would be left racing three wide and without cover, he decided to take hold of his mount in an attempt to obtain a position with cover. He said when he did this JOY AND FUN got its head up and proved difficult to settle. He said he was not able to obtain a position with cover and continued to race wide throughout. H W Lai was told in the opinion of the Stewards his riding in the early stages of the race lacked judgement. O Doleuze (GREEN BIRDIE) said he had been instructed to ride his mount where it was comfortable which he anticipated to be around midfield. He said GREEN BIRDIE began only fairly, he rode his mount along to make up ground and followed DOWN TOWN. He said he had anticipated DOWN TOWN would be crossed by EGYPTIAN RA which would have him travelling three positions back on the fence. He said when EGYPTIAN RA did not go forward of DOWN TOWN, he maintained his position behind the leader and travelled more prominently than anticipated. He said GREEN BIRDIE travelled comfortably in this position, on straightening obtained a clear run and his mount quickened to join the lead. He said however over about the final 200 Metres GREEN BIRDIE failed to finish the race off. He said the circumstances of the race resulted in him travelling further forward than anticipated and in hindsight GREEN BIRDIE may have been better suited ridden more quietly. GOOD BA BA and FELLOWSHIP were sent for sampling.