24/06/2012  Shatin  Race 9

At the start, TONBRIDGE was steadied away from the heels of KING’S PACT which shifted in after being bumped by CHANCELLOR. Shortly after the start, RADIOMARELLI raced in restricted room between PEPPERMINT and GROOVY. Near the 1300 Metres, PEPPERMINT was steadied away from the heels of DANZULU (W Pike) which shifted in. W Pike was advised to exercise care. After the 900 Metres, CHANCELLOR struck the heels of PERFECT MOMENT and blundered. LIBERTY VALANCE, which was following, was shifted out when checked away from the heels of CHANCELLOR and in doing so bumped the hindquarters of RADIOMARELLI which became unbalanced. A short distance later, LIBERTY VALANCE shifted back in to resume racing behind CHANCELLOR, causing SMILING WATCH, which had improved into tight running inside LIBERTY VALANCE, to blunder when steadied. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PERFECT MOMENT had sustained abrasions to the right hind leg. Rounding the Home Turn, HAPPY HA HA got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of KING’S PACT. Near the 100 Metres, SMILING WATCH was steadied when disappointed for running between RADIOMARELLI which shifted out marginally and DANZULU which shifted in under pressure. W Pike was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in future. For the majority of the race, HOLY MAC travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of CHANCELLOR in the early stages, M Chadwick stated that he had been instructed to lead if CHANCELLOR was able to do so without having to be ridden along in the early stages. He said he was advised that if other runners showed superior speed, he should allow those runners to cross and obtain a position with cover as CHANCELLOR had previously been successful when ridden in this manner. He said CHANCELLOR began only fairly, shifted in and made significant contact with KING’S PACT on his inside. He said he felt that if CHANCELLOR were to lead in the early stages, he would have had to have ridden his mount along which would have been contrary to his instructions. He said for this reason he allowed PERFECT MOMENT and APOLLO CAVALIER to cross CHANCELLOR in the early stages and he was able to obtain a position with cover behind PERFECT MOMENT. A veterinary inspection of CHANCELLOR after the race did not show any significant findings. RADIOMARELLI, GROOVY and LIBERTY VALANCE were sent for sampling. <25/6/2012 Additional Veterinary Report>CHANCELLOR, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. CHANCELLOR was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A S Cruz this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, CHANCELLOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.