12/02/2013  Shatin  Race 2

On arrival at the barriers, the tongue tie fitted to DOUBLE MOON was replaced. SMART FORTUNE, which proved difficult to load, will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test before being permitted to race again. ALP’S GLORY, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, began awkwardly and consequently lost ground. NAMJONG TURBO was crowded for room at the start between VICTORY IDE SAY and BACKSTREET FIGHTER, both of which shifted ground. Shortly after the start, BACKSTREET FIGHTER lost ground when crowded for room inside FLORA DANICA (N Callan). N Callan was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. Also shortly after the start, ALP’S GLORY became unbalanced after shifting in and bumping the hindquarters of SUNSHINE BOY. From wide barriers, YOUNG HAPPY and DOUBLE MOON were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. YOUNG HAPPY was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Over the final 100 Metres, LOTUS LOVE and BACKSTREET FIGHTER raced tight as BACKSTREET FIGHTER was awkwardly placed outside the heels of BESPOKE MASTER which shifted ground. Near the 50 Metres, IDYLLIC WIND and YOUNG HAPPY raced tight. In the Straight, DOUBLE MOON got its head on the side and hung in under pressure. For the majority of the race, OCEAN BRIGHT was left racing wide and without cover and rounding the Home Turn got its head on the side and lay out. When questioned, N Callan stated that he had been asked to ride FLORA DANICA in a position where it was comfortable and it was anticipated that this would be about midfield. He said it was explained to him that it was the view of Mr A Schutz, the trainer of FLORA DANICA, that the horse finishes off its races better when held up in the early stages rather than being ridden along to obtain a forward position. He said despite obtaining a position in about midfield as instructed, FLORA DANICA did not respond to his riding over the concluding stages. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BACKSTREET FIGHTER had lost its left front plate. A veterinary inspection of DOUBLE MOON after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of NAMJONG TURBO after the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse had lost its left front plate. LOTUS LOVE, VICTORY IDE SAY and ALP’S GLORY were sent for sampling. <14/2/2013 Additional Veterinary Report> DOUBLE MOON, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. DOUBLE MOON was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P O’Sullivan yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in the left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, DOUBLE MOON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.