On arrival at the barriers, it was noted that SPICY SHRIMP had lost its left front plate. This plate was refitted. SPICY SHRIMP was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. ROCKET PROUD was slow to begin. From wide barriers, FORTUNE TOGETHER, CAGA SPIRIT and GOOD HONG KONG were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. GAMEKEEPERS and WIND DAMPER bumped shortly after the start. Also shortly after the start, GOLDEN INSIGHT got its head on the side, shifted out and bumped LUCKY RECORD. When being steadied to obtain cover making the first turn, DIAMOND RAINBOW proved difficult to settle. After this, DIAMOND RAINBOW was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 900 Metres, LONGWAH KID proved difficult to settle when being steadied away from the heels of GOLDEN INSIGHT. After the 800 Metres, FORTUNE TOGETHER became unbalanced when being checked away from the heels of LONGWAH KID. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, LONGWAH KID raced tight between CAGA SPIRIT and GOLDEN INSIGHT which got its head on the side and shifted out. In this incident, CAGA SPIRIT got its head up after becoming unbalanced. Approaching the 200 Metres, WIND DAMPER, which had been held up for clear running, was shifted to the inside of the heels of SPICY SHRIMP to obtain clear running after being disappointed for running between that horse and PAR EXCELLENCE. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of J Lloyd (PAR EXCELLENCE), 6th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reprimanded for failing to ride his mount out to the end of the race and reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned, D Beadman stated that GOOD HONG KONG, which was having its first race start tonight, had to be shifted to the outside of runners in the early part of the Straight to obtain clear running. He said that near the 150 Metres he was able to shift GOOD HONG KONG to the outside of the heels of LONGWAH KID and after obtaining clear running, it commenced to finish off the race strongly. He said as GOOD HONG KONG was giving of its best under hands and heels riding, he continued to ride the horse vigorously in this fashion for the remainder of the race whilst slapping the horse down the shoulder with the whip in the left hand. He added that he chose not to draw the whip on GOOD HONG KONG as it was finishing off the race as best as it could. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LUCKY RECORD, B Prebble stated that after obtaining a position behind PAR EXCELLENCE after entering into the Back Straight, LUCKY RECORD travelled well as it did at its most recent start when successful. He said approaching the 400 Metres he placed LUCKY RECORD under pressure to improve its position and at this time LUCKY RECORD got its head on the side, shifted out and then took a short while to balance up. He said after entering into the Straight he shifted LUCKY RECORD out from behind PAR EXCELLENCE to improve into clear running between that horse and DIAMOND RAINBOW, however, LUCKY RECORD did not show the same turn of foot as it did at its most recent start. He added although LUCKY RECORD was momentarily crowded for room approaching the 100 Metres between PAR EXCELLENCE and DIAMOND RAINBOW, this occurred only because LUCKY RECORD did not improve into the run as he anticipated it would and irrespective, the horse was under pressure to maintain its position at this time. He said having in mind the manner in which LUCKY RECORD raced tonight by comparison with its most recent start when successful, the horse’s performance, in his opinion, was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY RECORD after the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY RECORD, GAMEKEEPERS and GOOD HONG KONG were sent for sampling. <24/11/2011 Additional Veterinary Report> LUCKY RECORD, which performed poorly, was examined by the Executive Manager, Regulatory Veterinary & International Liaison. He said at that time there were no significant findings. LUCKY RECORD was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A T Millard this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right hind leg and had sustained a minor cut to the right hind cannon. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY RECORD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
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