02/03/2013  Shatin  Race 8

Whilst in the saddling stalls, LUCKY JAI had its left front plate refitted. LUCKY JAI was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. HAPPY ERA began awkwardly and shortly after the start was crowded for room between FULFIL A WISH and WEALTHY MAN which shifted in. From a wide barrier, TALLEY CLOSE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early stages, WEALTHY MAN proved difficult to settle. Approaching the 1000 Metres, TALLEY CLOSE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LET ME HANDLE IT. Near the 700 Metres, PENGLAI XIANZI became unbalanced when crowded for room inside GOOD UNCLE (M Cangas) which shifted in. M Cangas was severely reprimanded. HAPPY ERA was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. For the majority of the race, CHATER WAY and DR SWEET travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, T Angland stated that he was instructed to ride KEEN MARIE where it was comfortable but it was felt that there would be sufficient speed in the race for KEEN MARIE to be placed in about a handy position. He said in the early stages he was racing outside of LUCKY JAI in a three wide position and rather than continue to race in this position, he elected, prior to the 1200 Metres, to steady his mount to obtain a position closer to the rail behind that horse. He said however that as he was doing this LUCKY JAI shifted ground on a number of occasions which resulted in KEEN MARIE being awkwardly placed outside the heels of that horse. He said he decided not to continue to steady KEEN MARIE to obtain a position behind LUCKY JAI, but rather he elected to remain racing to its outside in a three wide position but with cover. He said the circumstances of the race resulted in KEEN MARIE travelling further back in the field than had been intended. When questioned, C Y Ho stated that he had been instructed to be in a more forward position today on HAPPY ERA, however, the horse began only fairly and then did not show any early speed despite being ridden along. He said rounding the Home Turn he was travelling behind the eventual winner, SOLAR GREAT, and considered following that horse through, however, he had been asked by Mr J Size, the trainer of that horse, to shift HAPPY ERA to the outside of runners if possible when making his finishing run. He said when shifting HAPPY ERA out, he was momentarily held up for clear running until passing the 350 Metres, however, after this obtained clear running and finished off the race strongly. Mr Size confirmed that he advised Jockey Ho to shift HAPPY ERA out if it appeared that it was going to be difficult to obtain inside runs. LET ME HANDLE IT, MAJESTIC FALCON, SOLAR GREAT and HAPPY ERA were sent for sampling. <4/3/2013 Additional Veterinary Report>The Stewards have been advised that a veterinary examination of KEEN MARIE by the Clinical Veterinary Surgeon this afternoon found that horse to be lame in the left knee. Before being allowed to race again, KEEN MARIE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.