29/04/2012  Shatin  Race 4

HAIR BEAUTY was withdrawn on 26.4.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (stiff action right hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter AL PRINCE. Before being allowed to race again, HAIR BEAUTY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After being loaded, HURRY HURRY UP became fractious. Before being allowed to race again, HURRY HURRY UP will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. HURRY HURRY UP began awkwardly and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between GRAND DANCER and EMPIRE CITY which shifted in slightly. From a wide barrier, SMILING WATCH was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 1200 Metres, HURRY HURRY UP raced in restricted room between COOL BEAN and GRAND DANCER. Near the 900 Metres, COOL BEAN was steadied when crowded for room between LUCKY CHEVALIER which shifted in and GRAND DANCER which shifted out after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of TRIUMPHANT WAY for some distance. After this, GRAND DANCER proved difficult to settle. After the 400 Metres, AL PRINCE raced in restricted room between LUCKY CHEVALIER and GLOBAL FAME which shifted out away from the heels of SCENT OF OSMANTHUS which was taken out by JOHN DORY. Near the 350 Metres, SMILING WATCH was steadied when initially disappointed for running between COOL BEAN and AL PRINCE which shifted out. Passing the 150 Metres, SMILING WATCH momentarily raced tight between GLOBAL FAME and COOL BEAN which shifted in. Then passing the 50 Metres, SMILING WATCH was awkwardly placed inside the heels of COOL BEAN. Throughout the race, JOHN DORY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CLASSIC FIGURE, M L Yeung stated that after beginning awkwardly, he had to make considerable use of the horse to make up lost ground. He said in the early stages CLASSIC FIGURE was reluctant to go forward despite being ridden along and he was obliged to ride it vigorously to obtain a forward position as instructed. He said it was not until after the 1000 Metres that he was able to obtain the lead on CLASSIC FIGURE and due to the amount of work he was obliged to do on CLASSIC FIGURE in the early stages, the horse was then not able to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of CLASSIC FIGURE after the race did not show any significant findings. WHY NOT, EMPIRE CITY and LUCKY CHEVALIER were sent for sampling. <30/4/2012 Additional Veterinary Report> CLASSIC FIGURE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. CLASSIC FIGURE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A Lee 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, CLASSIC FIGURE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.