01/12/2010  Happy Valley  Race 7

On jumping, ST FEVRE was checked when crowded for room between FRIENDLY GAINS and ROYAL FLUSH which shifted out after being bumped on the hindquarters by ST FEVRE. Shortly after the start, FRIENDLY GAINS and ROYAL FLUSH raced tight between ISLAND SPEED and HONGKONG SUPERSTAR. Passing the 100 Metres, ST FEVRE, which was closing off the race, was severely checked to avoid the heels of HOLEY DOLLAR which, when giving ground, was taken out slightly by HONGKONG SUPERSTAR. When questioned, D Beadman stated that he had been instructed to obtain a forward position on HOLEY DOLLAR. He said shortly after the start he followed HONGKONG SUPERSTAR across to take up a position closer to the fence, however, FRIENDLY GAINS obtained a position inside HOLEY DOLLAR which prevented him from shifting across with HONGKONG SUPERSTAR. He said he allowed HOLEY DOLLAR to stride forward making the first turn and near the 500 Metres was able to cross FRIENDLY GAINS to race outside HONGKONG SUPERSTAR in a position one horse off the fence. He said when placed under pressure, HOLEY DOLLAR did not respond to his riding and weakened out of the race over the final 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of HOLEY DOLLAR after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. When questioned, B Prebble stated that he had been instructed to ride PERFECT GEAR positively in the early stages and obtain a position with cover as forward as possible. He said at the start PERFECT GEAR became badly unbalanced when heavily bumped by HOLEY DOLLAR which shifted out. He said after this happened, PERFECT GEAR took a number of strides to get balanced and he then commenced to shift across behind runners. He said after travelling approximately 100 Metres, PERFECT GEAR blundered noticeably and he immediately became concerned that PERFECT GEAR had gone amiss. He said he eased PERFECT GEAR for some distance after this as the horse’s action did not feel comfortable and he was concerned that PERFECT GEAR had broken down. He said at this time he gave consideration to retiring PERFECT GEAR out of the race. He said however that he continued to allow PERFECT GEAR to follow the field to see if the horse’s action would improve. He said at the 500 Metres he was satisfied that PERFECT GEAR had not broken down, but he still held concerns over the horse’s action. He said in the Straight PERFECT GEAR did not feel comfortable, but as he formed the view that the horse had not broken down, he tested the horse to a mild degree to see if its action would improve. He added that after the race he was not able to detect any noticeable lameness, but, in his opinion, something was amiss with the horse. Trainer C Fownes confirmed that it had been intended for PERFECT GEAR to be ridden positively tonight. He said that he barrier trialed the horse at Sha Tin on 9 November 2010 and this barrier trial with the blinkers on had been satisfactory. He said acting on the recommendation of Jockey Prebble, who rode the horse in the barrier trial, he decided against adding blinkers to the horse’s gear tonight as Jockey Prebble reported that it had gone too keenly in the barrier trial with the blinkers on. He said PERFECT GEAR’s track work leading up to tonight’s race had pleased him. He said it was apparent that shortly after the start PERFECT GEAR put in an awkward stride. An examination of PERFECT GEAR by the Veterinary Officer immediately after the race did not reveal any significant findings. A further examination of PERFECT GEAR after the running of the final race revealed that the horse was displaying mild left front lameness after cooling down. Mr Fownes was advised that prior to concluding the matter, they will await a report from the Veterinary Officer regarding a further routine clinical examination of the horse to be undertaken tomorrow morning. The Stewards also advised Mr Fownes that they will speak to him prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting on Saturday, 4 December 2010 to advise him of the further appropriate embargo to be placed on the horse. In the meantime, the Veterinary Officer advised that PERFECT GEAR is required to undertake an official veterinary examination prior to being permitted to race again. A veterinary inspection of ST FEVRE after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, ST FEVRE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ST FEVRE, EL ZONDA and BRILLIANT CHAPTER were sent for sampling.