17/10/2010  Shatin  Race 8

On arrival at the barriers, it was noted that CARTHAGE was displaying a profuse nasal discharge from the left nostril. CARTHAGE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said, in his opinion, it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of CARTHAGE. A subsequent endoscopic examination of CARTHAGE revealed that the horse had a substantial amount of mucopus in the trachea. Before being allowed to race again, CARTHAGE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JACKPOT DELIGHT knuckled over at the start. Shortly after the start, RIDE WITH THE WIND was crowded for room between VAUGIRARD and MIGHTY HIGH, both of which shifted ground. Rounding the Home Turn, IRIAN was steadied when disappointed for running to the inside of BULLISH CASH which at this time shifted in slightly after making contact with BLUE SKY. After this, IRIAN was shifted out in an attempt to obtain clear running and passing the 400 Metres was steadied away from the heels of BLUE SKY and shifted to the inside of that horse to improve its position. For some distance after this, IRIAN raced in restricted room between BULLISH CASH and BLUE SKY. Over the final 200 Metres, VAUGIRARD (B Prebble) shifted out under pressure and on two occasions passing the 200 Metres and near the 100 Metres BLUE SKY was momentarily awkwardly placed on the heels of VAUGIRARD as it shifted out. B Prebble was advised that he should have made more effort than he did on this occasion to prevent VAUGIRARD from shifting ground and in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mounts. For the majority of the race, SAPELLI travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, H W Lai (APPRECIATION) stated that he had been instructed to lead on the horse if no other horse was intent on taking up that role, otherwise he should sit off another horse if it wanted to take up the running. He said in the early stages he crossed to race outside MIGHTY HIGH and when he formed the opinion that that horse was going to lead, he steadied APPRECIATION to sit to that horse’s outside. He added that passing the 1200 Metres he felt that the tempo of the race was faster than he wanted, therefore he attempted to steady APPRECIATION. He said however making the first turn APPRECIATION raced keenly despite his attempts to steady the horse. He said for this reason rather than fight APPRECIATION, he let that horse stride forward near the 650 Metres and then rode it along rounding the Home Turn in an attempt to establish a break on the field. H W Lai was advised that whilst his explanation would be reported, his riding of APPRECIATION passing the 700 Metres had come under notice and that he should ensure he does not set his mounts too great a task. When questioned regarding the performance of MIGHTY HIGH, J Lloyd stated that whilst his mount wanted to go somewhat keenly in the early stages, it travelled similarly to the manner in which it did when he was successful on the horse last season. He said when APPRECIATION raced forward of MIGHTY HIGH near the 600 Metres, he allowed that horse to continue forward rather than making his finishing run too soon. He said MIGHTY HIGH stayed on well in the early part of the Straight, however, over the final 200 Metres peaked on its run. A veterinary inspection of FAT CHOY ICHIBAN after the race revealed that the horse was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, FAT CHOY ICHIBAN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MIGHTY HIGH and APPRECIATION after the race did not show any significant findings. VAUGIRARD and IRIAN were sent for sampling.