08/06/2008  Shatin  Race 4

When being loaded, ARISTOCRACY became fractious and as a consequence had both hind legs caught over the rear gate of its starting stall. ARISTOCRACY was removed from the stall and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse had sustained multiple lacerations and abrasions to both hind legs and in his opinion was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of ARISTOCRACY. Before being allowed to race again, ARISTOCRACY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SHOW BRAVELY was slow to begin. ABLE STANDARD began awkwardly and got its head up. In the early stages, NOBLE TWINS proved difficult to settle and when left racing without cover after the 1400 Metres was allowed to stride forward. After this, NOBLE TWINS continued to race three wide and without cover outside the leader. Making the Home Turn, PACIFIC ALLIANCE hung out. Near the 300 Metres, MEGA BULLET was steadied and shifted to the outside of NOBLE TWINS to continue going forward. The performance of TREMENDOUS PLUS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TREMENDOUS PLUS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, Y T Cheng (DANEPRINT) said he had been instructed to ride the horse in a midfield position with cover if possible. He said while DANEPRINT has performed well recently when being ridden in a rearward position, it was anticipated on today’s rain affected ground horses would have difficulty making ground in the run home. Mr C H Yip, trainer of DANEPRINT, confirmed the riding instructions issued and said he believed today’s race would only be run at a moderate tempo as in his opinion there was only one leader in the field. He said because of this and because the track was rain affected, he felt it would be in the best interest of DANEPRINT to have the horse ridden further forward than it has been recently. When questioned regarding the poor performance of CHALLENGER, G Boss said he rode his mount in a forward position as instructed. He said at no stage of the race did CHALLENGER travel comfortably, came under pressure at the 600 Metres and then shortly after straightening commenced to give ground. He said CHALLENGER has performed well at Happy Valley where it is generally considered there is more cut in the ground than at Sha Tin, therefore it was anticipated the horse would handle today’s track conditions. Mr A Lee, trainer of CHALLENGER, said in his opinion the horse is best suited when able to obtain a position on the rail which it was not able to do from today’s wide draw. He added in his opinion CHALLENGER is better suited when racing at Happy Valley and if the future race programmes are suitable he will if possible race CHALLENGER at Happy Valley prior to the end of the season. CHALLENGER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CHALLENGER after the race did not show any significant findings. In the circumstances, the Stewards considered the performance of CHALLENGER to be unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CHALLENGER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BARRACUDA was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of BARRACUDA after the race did not show any significant findings. DANEPRINT, PACIFIC ALLIANCE and MEGA BULLET were sent for sampling.