12/10/2013  Shatin  Race 10

GREEN EAGLE was withdrawn on 11.10.13 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter LET ME HANDLE IT (T Angland). Before being allowed to race again, GREEN EAGLE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the Start, it was noted that NOBLE ALPHA had lost its left front plate. This plate was refitted. NOBLE ALPHA was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After arriving behind the barriers, MILITARY SECRET became very fractious and reared, resulting in its rider, O Doleuze, being dislodged. MILITARY SECRET then proceeded up the 1800 Metre chute. After some time MILITARY SECRET was returned to the Start and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. O Doleuze stated that whilst MILITARY SECRET had not taken any harm when breaking away riderless behind the barriers and trotted up completely sound when returned to the barriers, the horse was stirred up and when placed in the barriers reared and as the start was effected missed the start. He said he was then able to ride MILITARY SECRET along and placed the horse in a good position, however, it came under pressure rounding the Home Turn and then was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. He added that whilst MILITARY SECRET was disappointing, he felt that there were some circumstances associated with the performance. A veterinary inspection of MILITARY SECRET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, MILITARY SECRET will be required to parade behind the barrier stalls prior to performing satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. NOBLE ALPHA began awkwardly. After the 1100 Metres, GALAXY PRANCER, which was racing wide and without cover, was allowed to stride forward to obtain a position closer to the rail. Passing the 1000 Metres, SEA DIAMOND commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when being checked away from the heels of NOBLE ALPHA. MILITARY SECRET and FUN RIDER, which were following, were both hampered in consequence. At the same stage of the race, VICTORIUS was checked away from the heels of WINNING LEADER which got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of WINNIE’S HORSE. VICTORIUS then commenced to over-race and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of WINNING LEADER. After the 800 Metres, CHATER WAY was left racing wide and without cover. G Mosse (GALAXY PRANCER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of SEA DIAMOND, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. G Mosse was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 31 October 2013 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Sunday, 20 October 2013. When questioned, Mr J Moore, the trainer of ABLE FRIEND, stated that he had considerable discussions with the horse’s owners in the lead up to today’s race as to what the appropriate tactics were given that the horse was racing over 1400 Metres for the first time and the horse had drawn the outside barrier of 14. He said during these discussions it was felt that whilst there may not be a great deal of speed drawn to the inside of ABLE FRIEND, they were concerned that if ABLE SPEED were to be ridden in a forward position and more pace eventuated than anticipated, then ABLE FRIEND may have been left racing wide and would therefore not be able to finish off the race given that it was having its first start for the season. He added at its only other start in Hong Kong the horse had been able to obtain a forward position, but on that occasion it had drawn an inside barrier. He said he felt that ABLE FRIEND being ridden back in the field today provided the horse with the best opportunity to finish off the race in the circumstances. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DEEP THINKER, C O’Donoghue stated that DEEP THINKER became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of ABLE FRIEND which shifted out at the entrance of the Straight. He said after this DEEP THINKER’s action shortened and the horse did not stretch out. He said he placed the horse under pressure, however, it did not respond and only passed tiring horses in the run to the finishing line. A veterinary inspection of DEEP THINKER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, DEEP THINKER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of VICTORIUS immediately following the race revealed the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, VICTORIUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ABLE FRIEND, WINNING LEADER and GALAXY PRANCER were sent for sampling. <15/10/2013 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Officer reported that SEA DIAMOND was found to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SEA DIAMOND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.