16/06/2010  Shatin  Race 6

HAPPY CHA CHA and SOUNDS EXCELLENT were slow to begin. MIGHTY FEELING began awkwardly. Passing the 650 Metres, GRAND GENERAL was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SOLDIER and shifted out, resulting in SOUNDS EXCELLENT being hampered. The performance of DEVON JOY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DEVON JOY 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, B Doyle stated that as with last start, it was hoped that BEAUTIFUL CHOICE would be able to roll forward into a forward position. He said it was felt that the tempo of the race would be solid as there were a number of horses that would lead or go forward in the race. He said it was hoped that BEAUTIFUL CHOICE would be able to obtain a position with cover behind the speed. He said from a wide barrier he allowed BEAUTIFUL CHOICE to begin and commence to shift across with runners shortly after the start. He said as there were a number of horses in advance of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE racing wide, he would have had to make some use of the horse to clear those runners to take up a position behind the speed as anticipated. He said therefore he elected to attempt to obtain a position behind GOLD RUSH with cover. He added however that MEDIC FORTUNE maintained its position to his inside, BEAUTIFUL CHOICE was therefore left racing wide in a position further back in the field than had been intended. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GOLD RUSH, D Beadman stated that although his mount raced wide, it was under pressure at the 900 Metres to maintain its position. A veterinary inspection of GOLD RUSH after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LUCKY PHOTO FRAME, Apprentice M L Yeung explained that although he had not ridden the horse previously, in his opinion, it did not travel at any stage of today’s race and was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY PHOTO FRAME after the race did not show any significant findings. After completing the race, Apprentice K C Leung and J Lloyd were dislodged from MEDIC FORTUNE and MIGHTY FEELING respectively. Both Apprentice Leung and J Lloyd were examined by the Club’s doctor and passed fit to fulfil their remaining riding engagements. GOLD RUSH, MIGHTY FEELING and SOLDIER were sent for sampling.