08/06/2008  Shatin  Race 5

PURE ALPHA was slow to begin and lost a considerable amount of ground at the start. Near the 100 Metres, SWEET BABY, which had been held up and unable to obtain clear running, was checked when disappointed for running inside ALICE TOO. Throughout the race, HAPPY ENERGY travelled wide and without cover. The performance of HAPPY ENERGY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY ENERGY 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, Apprentice K T Yeung (GOLDEN BALL) explained from a wide barrier he had been asked to ride the horse quietly and improve his position from the 600 Metres. He said in accordance with those instructions he took GOLDEN BALL back in the early stages, however, a number of runners also went back. He said in the early stages he travelled in a position with cover, however, when THREE CLUBS shifted away from the rail on entering the Back Straight GOLDEN BALL was then carried to a position without cover. He said in the Straight his mount closed the race off fairly. Trainer C W Chang confirmed the riding instructions issued to Apprentice Yeung. He said in the past GOLDEN BALL had performed disappointedly from wide barriers when being ridden along in the early stages to go forward. He believed today for GOLDEN BALL to obtain a forward position, use would have to be made of the horse and therefore he felt it would be better suited by being ridden quietly. He did say from a more favourable barrier GOLDEN BALL is able to travel more prominently. When questioned regarding the improved performance of LUCKY MONEY STAR, Trainer C H Yip said he was disappointed with the horse’s most recent performance and was not able to offer an explanation for that poor showing. He said because of this he decided to give LUCKY MONEY STAR a spell and freshened the horse up. He added today was the first occasion on which LUCKY MONEY STAR had raced on the All Weather surface which appeared to suit the horse. When questioned regarding the poor performance of KING HESPERUS, G Boss said at no stage of the race did the horse stride out as he thought it should. He said the intention had been to have KING HESPERUS ridden in a forward position as is usual, however, despite being ridden along in the early stages the horse failed to muster speed and as a consequence travelled behind midfield. He said KING HESPERUS was placed under pressure prior to straightening, however, when the horse did not respond to his riding, he did not ride it out over the concluding stages. Mr D E Ferraris, trainer of KING HESPERUS, was not able to offer any explanation for the poor performance of the horse. He said the horse was expected by the stable to perform well in today’s race. He said he will consult the owner of KING HESPERUS regarding its immediate racing future. KING HESPERUS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of KING HESPERUS after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of KING HESPERUS, which tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, KING HESPERUS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ALICE TOO, LUCKY MONEY STAR and NASA PEARL were sent for sampling.