09/04/2012  Shatin  Race 1

MIZZEN GREY was slow to begin. AMBER SKY began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped RED COURAGE. EXPEDITE also began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped SICHUAN EXPRESS. In the early stages, EXPEDITE (Y T Cheng) raced greenly and after the 600 Metres became unbalanced in its action. After the race, Y T Cheng reported that, in his opinion, EXPEDITE jumped a mark on the track at this time. The performance of MIZZEN GREY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MIZZEN GREY 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 regarding the disappointing performance of SICHUAN EXPRESS, D Whyte stated that his mount travelled well through the first half of the race, however, came under pressure prior to the 400 Metres to maintain its position to the outside of AMBER SKY. He said he rode SICHUAN EXPRESS along after this, however, the horse did not respond and weakened badly over the concluding stages. He said after the race SICHUAN EXPRESS appeared sound and was not making any abnormal breathing noise. He added that he had ridden SICHUAN EXPRESS in the majority of its barrier trials leading into today’s race and those trials, in his opinion, were good. He said that based on the manner in which the horse performed in these trials, a forward showing was expected today. Mr J Size, trainer of SICHUAN EXPRESS, said that following the horse’s disappointing performance today, it was his intention to spell SICHUAN EXPRESS. A veterinary inspection of SICHUAN EXPRESS after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that AMBER SKY had lost its left hind plate and that MIZZEN GREY had sustained a cut to the inside of the right hind stifle. SICHUAN SUCCESS, AMBER SKY and EXPEDITE were sent for sampling.