08/07/2012  Shatin  Race 9

WIN ESPRIT was crowded for room at the start between HEAR THE ROAR which was taken in by CHAMPAGNE DAYS which in turn was racing tight inside APOLLO CAVALIER and SNITZEL KID which shifted out. HEART WOOD shifted out at the start and bumped TAKNAM. Passing the 1400 Metres, JOLLY FINE got its head up when it momentarily raced in restricted room between HEART WOOD and SMILING WATCH, both of which shifted ground. Passing the 850 Metres, JOLLY FINE was checked away from the heels of SMILING WATCH. HEAR THE ROAR was not able to obtain clear running until passing the 300 Metres. Near the 250 Metres, SNITZEL KID was crowded for room between HEART WOOD which shifted in and CHAMPAGNE DAYS which was shifted out after being held up for clear running. In the Straight, SMILING WATCH had difficulty obtaining clear running and passing the 150 Metres was steadied when attempting to obtain clear running between HELENE WITTY and HEART WOOD which got its head on the side and shifted out. Throughout the race, HELENE WITTY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SEA DIAMOND, T Clark stated that as SEA DIAMOND was attempting the 1600 Metres of today’s race for the first time, it was decided to ride it in a midfield position with cover if possible. He said in the early stages SEA DIAMOND travelled keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions and after the 1300 Metres he was able to shift the horse in and obtain a position with cover behind OTTIMO. He said whilst SEA DIAMOND then commenced to travel better, the horse continued to get its head up on a number of occasions and would not settle as well as he had hoped. He said he shifted SEA DIAMOND to the outside of runners and it finished off the race well although at about the 150 Metres the horse’s run ended. A veterinary inspection of SEA DIAMOND after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SUMMER DASH, W Pike said that the horse travelled very well in a position behind the favourite, SEA DIAMOND. He said prior to the 500 Metres SUMMER DASH felt as though it was going to be competitive at the end of the race. He added however that when the tempo of the race increased at about the 500 Metres, his mount was left flat-footed and did not quicken as he had expected. He said he immediately placed SUMMER DASH under pressure, however, the horse did not respond to his riding at any stage and was disappointing in its failure to close off the race. Mr D J Hall, the trainer of SUMMER DASH, stated that the horse has significant breathing issues and because of this it had on occasions run inconsistently. He said after today’s race he will recommend to the owners that if the horse were to remain in Hong Kong that it undergo surgery in an attempt to correct its breathing issues. A veterinary inspection of SUMMER DASH after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUMMER DASH, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUMMER DASH 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 SMILING WATCH had lost its left hind plate and had sustained cuts to its left hind heels. SEA DIAMOND, TAKNAM and CHAMPAGNE DAYS were sent for sampling.