09/11/2011  Happy Valley  Race 8

BUSINESS AS USUAL was withdrawn on 8.11.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (blood abnormality). Before being allowed to race again, BUSINESS AS USUAL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BEAUTY TOUCH was slow to begin. Approaching the 1200 Metres, FULFIL A WISH shifted out marginally when being checked away from the heels of AMITYSHIP. A short distance later, MARK UP, which improved to be racing tight to the inside of FULFIL A WISH, was checked when FULFIL A WISH shifted back in. As the Stewards were of the view that there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. EURO SWIFTLY, which was following, was checked away from the heels of MARK UP and shifted out, resulting in JAMESINA, which was proving difficult to settle, being taken wider. After this, JAMESINA was left racing wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FULFIL A WISH, D Whyte stated that his mount was travelling comfortably in the early stages but became unbalanced near the 1200 Metres when being checked away from the heels of AMITYSHIP. He said after this FULFIL A WISH travelled only fairly and in the Straight finished off the race only one-paced. He said that, in his opinion, FULFIL A WISH may not have seen out the 1800 Metres of tonight’s race at its first time of asking. A veterinary inspection of FULFIL A WISH after the race did not show any significant findings. B Prebble reported that MARK UP over-raced in the early and middle stages and when the pace quickened after the 600 Metres was not able to sprint with the rest of the field. He said MARK UP’s disappointing performance tonight could be attributed to the fact that it travelled too keenly in the early and middle stages. A veterinary inspection of MARK UP after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on HOLLYWOOD KISS, Y T Cheng stated that it was explained to him by Mr L Ho, the trainer of HOLLYWOOD KISS, that the owner had asked for the horse to be ridden in the box seat rather than in the lead. He said he was therefore instructed to ride the horse behind the speed if possible. Mr Ho will be interviewed prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Sunday, 13 November 2011 in respect of this matter. BEAUTY TOUCH, HANDSOME ZULU and HAPPY GUYS were sent for sampling.