01/07/2013  Shatin  Race 6

GRAND CHAMPION began very awkwardly, resulting in its rider, K C Leung, becoming badly unbalanced in the saddle. A short distance later, GRAND CHAMPION was checked when crowded for room between SAFARI MAGIC and HONEY KING PRAWN which was taken out by BRIGHT STAR which in turn was taken out by LET ME GO which shifted out after beginning awkwardly. From a wide barrier, TELECOM PRINCE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 900 Metres, NATURAL CHAMPION lost ground when crowded for room inside HONEY KING PRAWN which was taken in by SAFARI MAGIC which shifted in momentarily when proving difficult to settle. When SAFARI MAGIC was directed out to relieve the tightening to runners to its inside, it shifted out and bumped MARK TWO, resulting in that horse being taken wider. Then near the 800 Metres, NATURAL CHAMPION was again momentarily crowded for room inside HONEY KING PRAWN which shifted in slightly when awkwardly placed close to the heels of BOY OH BOY. Approaching the 600 Metres, TELECOM PRINCE was awkwardly placed inside the heels of GRAND CHAMPION which lay in marginally. Also approaching the 600 Metres, BOY OH BOY shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of MARK TWO which became unbalanced. Rounding the Home Turn, BOY OH BOY and MARK TWO then raced tight. In the early part of the Straight, TELECOM PRINCE (R Fourie) got its head on the side and hung in and near the 300 Metres was checked away from the heels of GRAND CHAMPION. After this, TELECOM PRINCE continued to hang in under pressure and proved difficult to ride until after the 200 Metres. Passing the 100 Metres, R Fourie dropped his left rein. Passing the 250 Metres, BRIGHT STAR and FOREVER AHEAD bumped. In the Straight, NO TIES hung in and proved difficult to ride. Throughout the race, MARK TWO travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performances of HONEY KING PRAWN and GOLAN POWER, both of which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HONEY KING PRAWN and GOLAN POWER 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 disappointing performance of SAFARI MAGIC, Z Purton stated that his mount’s action did not feel completely free on the way to the barriers, however, after being given a good warm up on arrival at the Start the horse’s action freed up. He said in the early stages he rode his mount along to obtain a forward position, however, in the run to the first turn SAFARI MAGIC raced greenly and wanted to shift ground on a number of occasions. He said after making the first turn near the 800 Metres SAFARI MAGIC commenced to race more tractably, however, after the 300 Metres got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of BRIGHT STAR which shifted in. He added after having to steady SAFARI MAGIC away from the heels of BRIGHT STAR, he commenced to ride his mount along again, however, at this time SAFARI MAGIC was a beaten horse and having in mind the manner in which it raced at stages of the event, he eased it down over the final 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of SAFARI MAGIC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SAFARI MAGIC was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SAFARI MAGIC will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of GREAT RUN immediately following the race revealed that it was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, GREAT RUN will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of GOLAN POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BOY OH BOY and AFFECTION were sent for sampling. <2/7/2013 Additional Veterinary Report>SAFARI MAGIC, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. SAFARI MAGIC was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer Y S Tsui this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in both hind legs. As previously advised, SAFARI MAGIC will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.