01/07/2012  Shatin  Race 11

Shortly after the start, SOUNDS EXCELLENT was checked away from the heels of XILAI XIANZI. From a wide barrier, WRATH OF FIRE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Despite being vigorously ridden in the early stages, PRIDE AND HONOUR failed to muster speed and consequently raced at the tail of the field and for the major part of the race travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of PRIDE AND HONOUR after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of PRIDE AND HONOUR, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PRIDE AND HONOUR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Near the 50 Metres, SOUNDS EXCELLENT shifted in and brushed WRATH OF FIRE. Whilst the riding of TRAVEL BRAND over the concluding stages did not affect that horse’s finishing placing, C W Wong was severely reprimanded for easing his horse down over the concluding stages. W M Lai (SOUNDS EXCELLENT) was fined a sum of $2,000 for raising his whip arm above shoulder height. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LOVING STAR, O Doleuze stated that it had been decided to apply blinkers to the horse’s gear as on a number of occasions in its recent races the horse had lost concentration during the running of the race. He said LOVING STAR, which is always nervous, became very stirred up in the pre-race parade more so than had previously been the case. He said LOVING STAR sweated up badly behind the barriers and as the start was effected got down behind and lost a considerable amount of ground. He said he rode his mount along to make up lost ground and he was able to obtain a position in about midfield without having to make too much use of the horse. He said LOVING STAR did not travel well at any stage and, despite being placed under pressure rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, gave ground and was disappointing. He said he attributed today’s performance to the manner in which the horse became stirred up prior to the race. A veterinary inspection of LOVING STAR after the race revealed that the horse was distressed. Before being allowed to race again, LOVING STAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MEDALLIST, B Prebble stated that he was able to obtain cover until near the 850 Metres at which time TRAVEL BRAND, the horse he had been following, was able to shift in to a one-off position. He said after this MEDALLIST was obliged to race three wide and without cover. He said he felt the tempo of the race at this time was satisfactory and for this reason he continued to race in a three wide position rather than pressing on in the hope of being able to obtain a position closer to the rail. He added as far out as the 600 Metres MEDALLIST came under pressure to maintain its position and then, despite being ridden along, did not close off the race in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of MEDALLIST after the race did not show any significant findings. LOVING STAR, WRATH OF FIRE and XILAI XIANZI were sent for sampling. <3/7/2012 Additional Veterinary Report>LOVING STAR, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time the horse was distressed. LOVING STAR was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C W Chang yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in the right front leg. As previously advised, LOVING STAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.