08/01/2012  Shatin  Race 4

ABLE DRAGON was withdrawn on 7.1.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore foot) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter ZEPHYRUS (B Doyle). Before being allowed to race again, ABLE DRAGON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MIGHTY FEELING began awkwardly. SAMMY’S FORTUNE was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, ZEPHYRUS was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 1100 Metres, WINNING MASCOT was steadied away from the heels of ALICE TOO (M Du Plessis) which shifted in when not properly clear. M Du Plessis was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Rounding the Home Turn, WINNING MASCOT became unbalanced and was taken wider after being bumped by MISTER HORSE (Apprentice C Y Ho) which was directed to the outside of ALICE TOO into clear running. Apprentice Ho was severely reprimanded and advised that his movement at this time was far too abrupt and similar riding in future may result in more severe action being taken by the Stewards. TELECOM NEW STAR had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Throughout the race, ALICE TOO travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MIGHTY FEELING, T Clark stated that MIGHTY FEELING travelled in a good position behind the speed in the early and middle stages. He said after being shifted to the outside of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE into clear running shortly after entering the Straight, MIGHTY FEELING responded briefly to his riding, however, after the 350 Metres came under pressure and was then disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. He added that he had been riding MIGHTY FEELING in its track work leading up to today’s race and that work had been satisfactory. He did say that he was of the opinion that MIGHTY FEELING is a horse which would appreciate a softer surface than that of today’s. A veterinary inspection of MIGHTY FEELING after the race did not show any significant findings. WINNING MASCOT and PRINCE OF SUNSHINE were sent for sampling. <9/1/2012 Additional Veterinary Report> MIGHTY FEELING, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon subsequently reported that MIGHTY FEELING was lame in the left front leg after returning to the stables. Before being allowed to race again, MIGHTY FEELING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.