05/05/2010  Shatin  Race 3

GLENEALY ELITE was slow to begin. As the start was effected, ELEGANCE FORTUNE, which was fractious in the barriers, lifted its front feet off the ground and was slow to begin. Near the 700 Metres, ELEGANCE FORTUNE raced tight inside GO LEGEND GO when racing close to the heels of HAPPY MASTER. Near the 650 Metres, HAPPY MASTER was momentarily crowded for room inside ROYAL DOCTOR which at this time improved to be racing tight inside GRAND STORE. Rounding the Home Turn, PERFECT FIT hung out, taking HIGH AIM wider. Near the 150 Metres, HAPPY MASTER got its head on the side and shifted out. After passing the winning post, Apprentice C Y Ho was dislodged from GO LEGEND GO. Apprentice Ho was examined by the Club`s doctor who said he was fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagement. D Beadman, the rider of ELEGANCE FORTUNE, reported that the horse got its tongue over the bit during the race. This was confirmed by the Veterinary Officer immediately following the race. When questioned, W M Lai stated that near the 200 Metres CENTURY SUPER STAR commenced to hang in and he was awkwardly placed outside HAPPY MASTER. He said CENTURY SUPER STAR continued to hang in for the remainder of the race and for this reason he was restricted in his riding out of the horse. Apprentice K C Leung (HIGH AIM) stated that he had been instructed to obtain cover on the horse and have it racing where it was comfortable. He said prior to the race he felt that PERFECT FIT would go forward and he would be able to obtain a position on the back of that horse. He said when PERFECT FIT did not go forward as he anticipated, HIGH AIM, which was racing keenly, was not able to obtain a position behind that horse and consequently travelled wide and without cover for the majority of the race. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he had been instructed to obtain cover on PERFECT FIT as the horse had been somewhat disappointing when obliged to race outside the leader at its most recent start. He said although PERFECT FIT began well, he steadied the horse in the early stages with a view to obtaining a position with cover behind ROYAL DOCTOR. He said near the 900 Metres ROYAL DOCTOR was able to shift in in front of GO LEGEND GO, for this reason he was not able to obtain cover behind that horse and PERFECT FIT raced further back than had been hoped. He said rounding the Home Turn PERFECT FIT hung out and then in the Straight did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT FIT after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported GRAND STORE was noted to be making a loud respiratory noise. He said GRAND STORE had previously been reported to be a “roarer”. LOADS OF JOY and MAELSTROM were sent for sampling.