16/09/2012  Shatin  Race 9

BE-FABULOUS was tardy to begin. GALAXY PRANCER was checked at the start when crowded for room between SUPER CAGA and GLENEALY STAR (Apprentice K C Ng) which shifted out. In this incident, GALAXY PRANCER bumped the hindquarters of SUPER CAGA, causing that horse to become unbalanced. Apprentice Ng was reprimanded and advised that he would be expected to make more of an effort to straighten his mount sooner than he did on this occasion. Shortly after the start, FINN MACCOOL was checked and THE FAST LANE hampered when crowded for room between BE-FABULOUS which shifted out and BLUE CAVIAR which shifted in after initially being taken in slightly by MONEYMAKER. Passing the 400 Metres, DANCE FOR GOLD raced in restricted room between THE FAST LANE and SUNNY FAY. Approaching the 200 Metres, FINN MACCOOL was checked when held up for clear running between BLUE CAVIAR and MONEYMAKER, both of which were giving ground. For some distance near the 200 Metres, GALAXY PRANCER was awkwardly placed inside the heels of BE-FABULOUS. Then passing the 200 Metres, GALAXY PRANCER was steadied away from the heels of BE-FABULOUS after getting its head on the side and shifting out and away from GLENEALY STAR. Throughout the race, MONEYMAKER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of BE-FABULOUS, C K Tong stated that although he was able to obtain cover on BE-FABULOUS, he was not able to obtain a position better than three wide. He said BE-FABULOUS travelled satisfactorily in the run, however, when placed under pressure at the entrance to the Straight did not quicken as it had done when he had previously ridden the horse. He said when placed under pressure in the Straight BE-FABULOUS finished off the race only fairly. He did say that he had ridden the horse in its track work and in a barrier trial and, in his opinion, its work leading into today’s race was good. A veterinary inspection of BE-FABULOUS and GALAXY PRANCER after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BLUE CAVIAR had finished distressed and was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. He also said an endoscopic examination of BLUE CAVIAR showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being permitted to race again, BLUE CAVIAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BE-FABULOUS, SUNNY FAY and SUPER CAGA were sent for sampling.