15/07/2012  Shatin  Race 2

Whilst in the saddling stalls, FORTUNE STAR had its left front plate refitted. FORTUNE STAR was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. On arrival at the barriers, the tongue tie fitted to REGENCY CHAMPION was replaced. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, TRAVEL GUIDE failed to muster speed. Near the 1100 Metres, THUNDER FLYER (Z Purton), which was racing ungenerously, was checked away from the heels of SUPER BROTHER which, after initially shifting in and away from BEAR ELITE (C W Wong), was taken in by that horse for a short distance. In this incident, UNDOUBTEDLY MINE, which was racing inside of THUNDER FLYER, became unbalanced when bumped by that horse. C W Wong was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Having in mind the evidence provided by Z Purton in respect of the racing manners of THUNDER FLYER in this race, the Stewards ruled that prior to being permitted to race again, THUNDER FLYER must barrier trial satisfactorily on two consecutive occasions around a bend and must be ridden by a senior rider. Passing the 900 Metres, KIDCONI, which was proving difficult to settle, got its head up when being checked away from the heels of REGENCY CHAMPION which was being steadied to allow BEAR ELITE to cross. SPECTACULAR AWARD, which was following, was hampered in consequence. Making the first turn near the 850 Metres, THUNDER FLYER raced greenly, got it head on the side and shifted out. After the 400 Metres, SUPER BROTHER got its head on the side and hung in. Throughout the race, MR AWARD and FORTUNE STAR travelled wide and without cover. After the race, B Prebble stated that, in his opinion, BRILLIANT WORLD did not stretch out and was uncomfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of BRILLIANT WORLD after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, BRILLIANT WORLD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of UNDOUBTEDLY MINE, T Clark stated that it had been hoped that the horse would be able to obtain a forward position. He said UNDOUBTEDLY MINE did not show any early speed and then raced tight near the 1100 Metres. He added this resulted in the horse racing further back than had been intended. He said UNDOUBTEDLY MINE travelled only fairly throughout the race and came under pressure prior to the Home Turn. He said UNDOUBTEDLY MINE did not initially respond to his riding, however, over the concluding stages made up some ground, but still finished off the race only fairly. A veterinary inspection of UNDOUBTEDLY MINE after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY DRUMMING after the race revealed the horse to be lame in the right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY DRUMMING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on THUNDER FLYER at the request of Trainer K W Lui. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. Also after the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on KIDCONI at the request of Trainer C W Chang. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, KIDCONI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. REGENCY CHAMPION and BEAR ELITE were sent for sampling.