21/01/2012  Shatin  Race 8

Whilst in the saddling stalls, I SMELL MONEY lost its left front plate. This plate was refitted. I SMELL MONEY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. IRON EAGLE was slow to begin. After the 1200 Metres, HORSE APLENTY was steadied away from the heels of HANDSOME BATCHELOR. In this incident, HORSE APLENTY shifted in, resulting in MOON CHASER being crowded for room between that horse and GREAT ACHIEVEMENT. After this, HORSE APLENTY was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, CAPITAL K raced ungenerously. At the entrance to the Straight, CAPITAL K was shifted to the inside of ENHANCED after being disappointed for running to the outside of that horse. CAPITAL K then had difficulty obtaining clear running and near the 200 Metres became awkward when close to the heels of HORSE APLENTY. In the early part of the Straight, SUNSHINE DAY got its head on the side and lay in and was reluctant to shift to the outside of IRON EAGLE. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if I SMELL MONEY had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from Jockey D Whyte, Trainer J Size and Mr T McGovern, Starter. After taking evidence and viewing the official videos, the Stewards ascertained that immediately prior to the start being effected I SMELL MONEY became fractious and lunged at the front gates. Then as the start was effected, I SMELL MONEY, which was being assisted by a starting gate handler, bounded in the air and on landing got down behind and became very awkward. This resulted in I SMELL MONEY losing a substantial amount of ground and D Whyte losing the use of his right stirrup iron after almost being dislodged from I SMELL MONEY. I SMELL MONEY then took no part in the race and was retired from the event near the 1000 Metres. As the Stewards formed the view that I SMELL MONEY had been afforded a fair start and that its difficulties had arisen due to its own behaviour, that horse was deemed to be a runner. Before being allowed to race again, I SMELL MONEY will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HANDSOME BATCHELOR, G Cheyne stated that in accordance with his instructions he was positive on HANDSOME BATCHELOR in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said although it took some time for HANDSOME BATCHELOR to be in a position to cross runners to its inside, he did not have to make use of the horse to do so. He said HANDSOME BATCHELOR then travelled as well as it did at its most recent start, however, the horse came under pressure rounding the Home Turn and was then disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of IRON EAGLE after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, IRON EAGLE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of I SMELL MONEY, GREAT ACHIEVEMENT and HANDSOME BATCHELOR after the race did not show any significant findings. I SMELL MONEY, LEO’S PRIDE and SOLAR UP were sent for sampling.