27/02/2011  Shatin  Race 4

CHINA WIN and FOR SZESZE SAN were slow to begin. COSTA DEL SOL shifted out at the start and bumped THE PRINCE which in turn shifted out and bumped NEW KING PRAWN. THE PRINCE then shifted back in and made further contact with COSTA DEL SOL which became unbalanced. From the outside barrier, PAR EXCELLENCE was taken across behind runner shortly after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, FUN failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. Near the 900 Metres, HEAVEN CENT ran out abruptly across the heels of THE PRINCE, resulting in COSTA DEL SOL being checked and taken wider. PAR EXCELLENCE, which was following, was checked away from the heels of HEAVEN CENT near the 850 Metres and was then run off the course by HEAVEN CENT which continued to shift out abruptly. After this, PAR EXCELLENCE took no active part in the race. A short period after being retired from the event, HEAVEN CENT collapsed. After the 600 Metres, HAWTHORNE got its head on the side and hung out. Over the final 200 Metres, ETERNAL BEAUTY got its head on the side and lay out. Throughout the race, NEW KING PRAWN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, G Cheyne (TELECOM NEW STAR) stated from barrier 10 he had been instructed to take the horse across behind runners in the early stages. He said after shifting TELECOM NEW STAR onto the fence, he rode his mount along shortly after the start to ensure that it was able to hold its place at the back of the field. He said he continued to ride TELECOM NEW STAR along approaching the 800 Metres, however, despite being ridden along TELECOM NEW STAR became somewhat detached from the field. He added that in an attempt to make up lost ground, he continued to urge TELECOM NEW STAR along and passing the 600 Metres shifted the horse away from the rail to see if it would respond better to his riding. He said he placed the horse under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn and in the Straight and TELECOM NEW STAR finished off the race quite well. After the race, M W Leung stated that FUN did not feel right in its action and for this reason he did not ride it out in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of FUN after the race revealed that horse was lame in the right hind leg. The performance of FUN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FUN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HAWTHORNE had lost its left front plate and that THE PRINCE had lost its left hind plate. A veterinary inspection of PAR EXCELLENCE and SKY MASCOT after the race did not show any significant findings. COSTA DEL SOL and ETERNAL BEAUTY were sent for sampling.