24/06/2012  Shatin  Race 4

CHEERFUL DOUBLE was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, FULL SPIRIT, which was slow to begin, was steadied away from the heels of SURE CHAMP which was taken out by TELECOM GOGO which shifted out abruptly. Approaching the 1000 Metres, SURE CHAMP commenced to prove very difficult to settle and at the 1000 Metres blundered when being checked away from the heels of SUPER STRIKE. FULL SPIRIT, which was following, was checked and shifted out away from the heels of SURE CHAMP, resulting in CHEERFUL DOUBLE being taken wider. For the majority of the race, SICHUAN LEGEND travelled wide and without cover. After the race, O Doleuze reported that, in his opinion, SICHUAN LEGEND did not feel comfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of SICHUAN LEGEND after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of KENSWORTH KID, D Whyte stated that he was able to obtain a good position on the horse and it travelled strongly in the early and middle stages. He said however that when the tempo increased passing the 700 Metres, KENSWORTH KID was left flat-footed and was not able to improve its position when other runners around him commenced to go forward. He said he had to ride KENSWORTH KID vigorously rounding the Home Turn in an attempt to have it improve its position, however, despite being ridden along, KENSWORTH KID gave ground and at no stage showed any turn of foot. He added that after the 200 Metres KENSWORTH KID got its head on the side and hung out, but the horse at this time was already well beaten. Mr S Woods, the trainer of KENSWORTH KID, said that the horse had pleased him in its work since its last start run and he was not able to offer an explanation for the horse’s disappointing performance. He said he had felt that the horse would perform well in today’s race but that it was yet to fully mature. A veterinary inspection of KENSWORTH KID after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of KENSWORTH KID was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, KENSWORTH KID 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 TELECOM GOGO had sustained cuts to the inside of the right hind cannon and pastern. CONNOISSEUR’S PICK and SURROUNDED were sent for sampling.