21/05/2011  Shatin  Race 8

On arrival at the barriers, it was noted that ATHENIUM had lost its left hind plate. This plate was refitted. The horse was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ATHENIUM had lost its left hind plate. Also on arrival at the barriers, it was noted that HORSESHOE FORTUNE was lame in its left hind leg. Acting on the advice from the Veterinary Officer that the horse was not suitable to race, HORSESHOE FORTUNE was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, HORSESHOE FORTUNE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Approaching the 300 Metres, H W Lai (LUNAR REFLECTIONS) dropped his whip. Throughout the race, PUBLIC FIGURE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, G Cheyne stated that he had been instructed to obtain the lead on PUBLIC FIGURE, however, if he was not able to do this, he was to ensure that he did not position PUBLIC FIGURE behind another runner as the horse had previously not finished off its race when ridden in this manner. He said he rode PUBLIC FIGURE aggressively with the whip in the early stages in an endeavour to have the horse lead, however, PUBLIC FIGURE did not show sufficient speed to do so. He added in the early stages of the race he was travelling in a three wide position outside MING HOI TREASURE and he expected that horse to continue forward of PROJECT RUNWAY which was travelling on the rail. He added however that after the 1200 Metres the rider of MING HOI TREASURE took hold of that horse and did not continue forward. He said although it was open to him to shift in to race behind MING HOI TREASURE at this time, due to his instructions, he did not avail himself of this opportunity, rather he continued to allow PUBLIC FIGURE to remain racing in a three wide position outside MING HOI TREASURE. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WHITE HART KING, M Du Plessis stated that he rode the horse work in the lead up to today’s race and, in his opinion, this work was good. He said WHITE HART KING travelled strongly behind the eventual winner, PROJECT RUNWAY, however, at the entrance to the Straight came under pressure and then did not stretch out in the Straight as he thought it would. He added after the race he recommended to the connections of WHITE HART KING that they consider gelding the horse as, in his opinion, this may have attributed to the horse not stretching out fully in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of WHITE HART KING after the race did not show any significant findings. PROJECT RUNWAY and LUNAR REFLECTIONS were sent for sampling. <23/5/2011 Additional Veterinary Report>WHITE HART KING, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. WHITE HART KING was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer D E Ferraris yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, WHITE HART KING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.