25/01/2012  Shatin  Race 11

STRAIGHT FORWARD was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of SOVIET PEARL which shifted in. In the early stages, KING OF SCOTS travelled wide and without cover and after the 800 Metres was allowed to improve into a more forward position. Near the 1400 Metres, CARTHAGE was checked when crowded for room inside SOVIET PEARL which was tightened for room inside BEAUTY TOUCH which shifted in when being checked away from the heels of HELENE SPIRIT which commenced to over-race and was checked away from the heels of SAME WORLD which was steadied by its rider to obtain a position with cover behind RICH TAPESTRY. As the Stewards believed there were a number of circumstances surrounding this incident and that there was no carelessness on behalf of any rider, no further action was taken. After the 1000 Metres, BEAUTY TOUCH was crowded for room between HELENE SPIRIT which shifted out away from the heels of RICH TAPESTRY and KING OF SCOTS which shifted in slightly. After the 700 Metres, LIBERATOR and BEAUTY TOUCH raced tight. Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, HEAR THE ROAR was held up for clear running. In the early part of the Straight, SOVIET PEARL had difficulty obtaining clear running. For the major part of the race, HELENE SPIRIT travelled wide and without cover. After the race, M Du Plessis (SOVIET PEARL) reported that the horse did not stretch out during the race as he thought it should. A veterinary inspection of SOVIET PEARL after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LIBERATOR, J Lloyd stated that he had been instructed to ride the horse in a forward position if possible. He said he rode his mount along in the early stages, however, LIBERATOR did not show sufficient speed to lead the race. He said when BEAUTY TOUCH improved its position around LIBERATOR approaching the 1000 Metres, LIBERATOR appeared to resent racing amongst runners. He said he placed his mount under pressure in the Straight, however, LIBERATOR did not respond to his riding and, in his opinion, was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY TOUCH and LIBERATOR after the race did not show any significant findings. HELENE SPIRIT, SAPELLI and HEAR THE ROAR were sent for sampling. <26/1/2012 Additional Veterinary Report>SOVIET PEARL, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. SOVIET PEARL was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P O’Sullivan this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in the left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SOVIET PEARL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.