20/09/2009  Shatin  Race 9

FAIR TRADE was withdrawn prior to Race 6 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (swollen right fore fetlock). Before being allowed to race again, FAIR TRADE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ROMPING began awkwardly and as a consequence lost ground. ROMPING was then ridden along to take up a forward position. When questioned regarding his ride on UNIQUE JEWELLERY, O Doleuze stated that he had been instructed to ride the horse towards the rear of the field. He said that he had hoped to be in front of some runners in the early stages, however, UNIQUE JEWELLERY was crowded for room between HELENE MASCOT and MR MEDICI which shifted out. He said this allowed HELENE MASCOT to shift in in front of UNIQUE JEWELLERY which resulted in the horse racing towards the rear of the field. He added that, as instructed, he shifted UNIQUE JEWELLERY to the outside rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight so as to ensure the horse had unimpeded running. He said UNIQUE JEWELLERY travelled strongly in the early part of the Straight when being ridden along, however, he was reluctant to use the whip early in the Straight as the horse has a tendency to hang in under pressure. He said that approaching the 200 Metres he pulled his whip through into his right hand and commenced to ride UNIQUE JEWELLERY along with the whip and the horse, which was inclined to hang in, then finished the race off strongly. O Doleuze was advised his explanation would be reported. A veterinary inspection of UNIQUE JEWELLERY and ROMPING after the race did not show any significant findings. ROMPING, FLEET COMMAND and MR MEDICI were sent for sampling.