14/11/2012  Shatin  Race 6

EAGLE SPIRIT was withdrawn on 12.11.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore foot) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter GREAT RENOWN (D Whyte). Before being allowed to race again, EAGLE SPIRIT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SPIRIT SOARING began awkwardly. LOMBARDI began awkwardly and shortly after the start blundered. Despite being ridden vigorously along in the early stages, PRIDE AND HONOUR failed to muster speed and consequently raced wide and without cover back in the field. Passing the winning post on the first occasions, HAPPY CHA CHA was awkwardly placed between OLE OLE and VICTORY MASCOT. Also passing the winning post on the first occasion, OLE OLE got its head up when proving difficult to settle and shifted out across the heels of PRIDE AND HONOUR. Passing the 1300 Metres, HAPPY CHA CHA was steadied away from the heels of GREAT RENOWN. For some distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, HAPPY CHA CHA was awkwardly placed outside the heels of JOLLY GOOD. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MAGNUMOUS, M Chadwick stated that he was able to travel in a forward position behind the leaders as instructed. He said MAGNUMOUS travelled well until near the 1000 Metres at which time the horse got its head on the side and lay out. He said MAGNUMOUS continued to race on one rein and approaching the 600 Metres hung out which resulted in the horse proving difficult to ride. He added that MAGNUMOUS hung out badly rounding the Home Turn and in the Straight. He said the horse has a tendency to hang out in track work, however, had not hung out as it did tonight in previous races. A veterinary inspection of MAGNUMOUS after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MAGNUMOUS was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MAGNUMOUS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend. A veterinary inspection of LOMBARDI and HEALTHY BLUEBERRY after the race did not show any significant findings. MAGNUMOUS, CHAMPAGNE DAYS and JOLLY GOOD were sent for sampling. <15/11/2012 Additional Veterinary Report>HEALTHY BLUEBERRY, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. HEALTHY BLUEBERRY was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer L Ho this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, HEALTHY BLUEBERRY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.