09/10/2011  Shatin  Race 8

BURGUNDY MAC was withdrawn on 8.10.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right front foot). Before being allowed to race again, BURGUNDY MAC will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. As the start was effected, GOOD GAINS lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. JOLLY FINE and ATHENIUM were crowded for room at the start between TAKEANOTHERCHANCE and PUBLIC FIGURE, both of which shifted ground. From a wide barrier, OPEN SESAME, which was fractious in the barriers, was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1100 Metres, TAKEANOTHERCHANCE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of I SMELL MONEY which shifted in when barely clear. Rounding the Home Turn, JOLLY FINE and I SMELL MONEY bumped as JOLLY FINE shifted out to obtain clear running. Throughout the race, PUBLIC FIGURE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice K C Ng stated that he had been instructed to position FUN HEROES in midfield with cover. He said he had ridden the horse in a barrier trial on 4 October 2011 and on that occasion albeit that it was over 1000 Metres he was able to obtain a position in about midfield after allowing the horse to begin of its own accord. He said in that barrier trial FUN HEROES settled well in the early and middle stages. He said today FUN HEROES began very well and when he attempted to steady the horse to obtain a position in about midfield, FUN HEROES commenced to over-race and travelled fiercely. He said despite his efforts he was not able to have FUN HEROES relax and consequently the horse raced in the lead in today’s race. He added because of the manner in which FUN HEROES travelled, the horse was then not able to finish off the race. Trainer P F Yiu confirmed the instructions given to Apprentice Ng. He said those instructions were identical to those which he gave Apprentice Ng when he rode the horse in its barrier trial in the lead up to today’s race. He said having in mind the manner in which FUN HEROES has raced today, it is his intention to consider removing the blinkers from the gear worn by FUN HEROES. After the race, J Lloyd reported that VICTORY IDE SAY did not stretch out properly in the Straight and changed lead legs on a number of occasions. He said because of this he did not ride his mount out over the last 150 Metres. J Lloyd was advised that where circumstances permit he should ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the finish. Following the race, Z Purton reported that TAKEANOTHERCHANCE was making an abnormal breathing noise. A veterinary inspection of TAKEANOTHERCHANCE and WEALTH PARK after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME WINNER after the race revealed that the horse had bled from both nostrils. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on EUPHEMISM at the request of Trainer D E Ferraris. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed the horse to have a substantial amount of mucopus in its trachea and to be a “roarer” which had previously been reported. SUPREME WINNER, ATHENIUM and JOLLY FINE were sent for sampling.