26/02/2012  Shatin  Race 4

TRAVEL KING began awkwardly. CHINA DRAGON was slow to begin. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, TAKE BY STORM failed to muster speed. For some distance after the 1000 Metres, RACING LEGEND raced tight inside KING OF FISH II (O Doleuze) which shifted in. O Doleuze was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside in future. When KING OF FISH II was shifted out to relieve the tightening to RACING LEGEND, TAKE BY STORM shifted out away from that horse’s heels, resulting in SIMPLY JOY being taken out onto the hindquarters of GOOD JOB which became unbalanced. Passing the 900 Metres, GORGEOUS LIFE was steadied away from the heels of MR AWARD (Apprentice T H So) which shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice So was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, TRAVEL KING was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPEEDY. GORGEOUS LIFE had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Throughout the race, GOOD JOB and TAKE BY STORM travelled wide and without cover. The performance of SIMPLY JOY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SIMPLY JOY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, G Mossé stated that after obtaining a good position behind the leader, FASCINATING SMILE throughout the race, he shifted HOT PEPPER out at the entrance to the Straight into clear running. He said he immediately placed HOT PEPPER under pressure and the horse initially responded well to his riding. He said however that approaching the 200 Metres, in his opinion, HOT PEPPER’s action deteriorated and the horse shortened stride markedly. He said at this time, in his opinion, HOT PEPPER’s action in front did not feel right and as he felt that something was amiss with the horse, he eased it down over the final 200 Metres. He added after the race whilst HOT PEPPER was not noticeably lame, its action did not feel fluent. A veterinary inspection of HOT PEPPER after the race did not show any significant findings. A further examination of HOT PEPPER later in the afternoon once again did not reveal any significant findings. The Stewards ruled that prior to being permitted to race again, HOT PEPPER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FLYING KEEPER had sustained a minor wound to the right hind coronet. Following the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on FASCINATING SMILE at the request of Trainer P O’Sullivan. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, FASCINATING SMILE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of TAKE BY STORM after the race did not show any significant findings. RACING LEGEND and MR AWARD were sent for sampling.