28/03/2010  Shatin  Race 1

GRANDFIELD, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 25.3.10 by order of the Stewards (stable transfer). SUPREME DRAGON shifted out abruptly at the start, resulting in ENERGETIC BOY being checked when crowded out onto the hindquarters of GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY. CENTENNIAL SMILE and LAZY BUDDIES were slow to begin. Shortly after the start, NAMJONG FIGHTERS shifted out and bumped TELECOM LUCKY STAR which in turn shifted out and made contact with JOYFUL YEARS, resulting in all three horses becoming unbalanced. LIVERBIRD was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 300 Metres. Passing the 200 Metres, GIANT BLIZZARD, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied away from the heels of GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY (Apprentice K C Leung) which shifted to the inside of FEEL THE FUN to continue going forward. Apprentice Leung was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. For the majority of the race, OSCAR PRINCE travelled wide and without cover. The performances of TELECOM LUCKY STAR and LAZY BUDDIES, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TELECOM LUCKY STAR and LAZY BUDDIES will both 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 ENERGETIC BOY, D Whyte stated that after receiving a bump from SUPREME DRAGON at the start, ENERGETIC BOY then, despite being hard ridden throughout the race, refused to stretch out and did not travel at any stage. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CENTENNIAL SMILE, J Lloyd was unable to offer any excuse for the horse’s run today. He said he was instructed to shift away from the fence in the Back Straight which he was able to do at the 1100 Metres. He said however that rounding the Home Turn he became concerned that CENTENNIAL SMILE was not travelling as well as he thought it should and when placed under pressure in the Straight was most disappointing and failed to run on. A veterinary inspection of ENERGETIC BOY and CENTENNIAL SMILE after the race did not show any significant findings. CENTENNIAL SMILE, GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY and LIVERBIRD were sent for sampling.