28/03/2010  Shatin  Race 10

CLASSIC REUNION was withdrawn on 27.3.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore foot) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter MAKE IT (M W Leung). Before being allowed to race again, CLASSIC REUNION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, DANESOUTH got its head up and raced ungenerously when racing close to the heels of GRAND DANCER. Rounding the Home Turn and in the part of the Straight, ACHILLES OF TROY was held up for clear running behind the tiring DANESOUTH. Throughout the race, BRAVE SPIRIT travelled wide and without cover. The performances of GOLDEN BAUHINIA, DANESOUTH and MAKE IT, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GOLDEN BAUHINIA, DANESOUTH and MAKE IT will all be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Apprentice M L Yeung, the rider of the 5th placed, SEA PRINCE, was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out right to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned, Apprentice M L Yeung stated that he had been instructed to ride SEA PRINCE in a forward position today to overcome the horse’s outside barrier. The Stewards will question Trainer J Moore regarding the tactics adopted on SEA PRINCE upon his return to Hong Kong. When questioned, Apprentice T H So stated that he was instructed to lead on GOLDEN BAUHINIA today. He said as the start was effected, GOLDEN BAUHINIA began awkwardly and lost ground. He said when this happened DANESOUTH, which was drawn to the outside of GOLDEN BAUHINIA, shifted in which meant that he was not immediately able to improve his position and race in a forward position as instructed. He said he then allowed GOLDEN BAUHINIA to stride in the hope that the horse might be able to take up a forward position, however, when racing behind a number of horses approaching the 1000 Metres, GOLDEN BAUHINIA commenced to over-race and had to be steadied away from heels. He said passing the 1000 Metres GOLDEN BAUHINIA was left racing wide and without cover and as the tempo of the race was satisfactory at this time, he did not believe it was in the best interests of GOLDEN BAUHINIA to continue riding the horse forward. He said passing the 600 Metres GOLDEN BAUHINIA was able to obtain some cover behind YOU GOTTA PAY, however, the manner in which GOLDEN BAUHINIA raced in the early stages meant that it was not able to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN BAUHINIA after the race did not show any significant findings. YOU GOTTA PAY and GRAND DANCER were sent for sampling. The Stewards will question J Lloyd regarding his riding of ACHILLES OF TROY in the early and middle stages prior to the first race at the Happy Valley racemeeting to be conducted next Wednesday, 31 March 2010 as he had left the racecourse.