12/02/2011  Shatin  Race 6

On arrival at the Start, the tongue tie worn by SKY MASCOT was refitted. SMART CHOICE was slow to begin. Passing the 200 Metres, SKY MASCOT was momentarily steadied away from the heels of PRAISING which shifted in. TURIN CHAMPION, which was racing to the inside of SKY MASCOT, was inconvenienced as a consequence. Over the concluding stages, TURIN CHAMPION raced in restricted room between LOADS OF JOY and SKY MASCOT. Because of this TURIN CHAMPION was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. For the majority of the race, LUCKY LEON travelled wide and without cover. O Doleuze (MAELSTROM) reported that making the first turn near the 700 Metres his mount was severely checked when reluctant to maintain its position to the inside of LOYAL ARMY. He said at this time MAELSTROM bounded in the air and lost its action. He said despite being ridden along after this, MAELSTROM continued to give ground. A veterinary inspection of MAELSTROM after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MAELSTROM was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MAELSTROM will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend. When MAELSTROM was checked, PERFECT FIT, which was following, was checked out away from the heels of that horse, resulting in GOLDEN TREASURE and TOY STORY also being hampered. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that LOYAL ARMY had lost its left front plate. LOADS OF JOY, PRAISING and PERFECT FIT were sent for sampling.