15/02/2009  Shatin  Race 5

FANTASTIC GUY was slow to begin, then lost further ground after being checked when crowded for room between EMBRACES and ROCKET AND GOLD which on jumping shifted out. On jumping, LIVERBIRD was checked when crowded for room between SAMBUOYANT and BATURO which shifted out abruptly. After the 1800 Metres, EMBRACES was steadied away from the heels of ROCKET AND GOLD which got its head up and shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of ZEPHYRUS as that horse crossed. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, ROCKET AND GOLD was steadied when awkwardly placed between SAMBUOYANT and EMBRACES. Making the first turn, WONG’S SUCCESS blundered after striking the heels of EMBRACES which was carried out by ROCKET AND GOLD. In the early stages, OCTAGONAL CANYON hung in and after the 1800 Metres when racing wide on the track was taken back to a position with cover. At the 1300 Metres, EMBRACES was left racing wide and without cover. HAPPY ALL AROUND travelled wide and without cover until after the 1300 Metres. Near the 100 Metres, CLASSIC ENERGY was steadied away from the heels of FANTASTIC GUY which drifted out. Apprentice K C Leung (ROCKET AND GOLD) said he had been instructed from a favourable barrier to ride his mount in front of midfield with cover if possible. He said ROCKET AND GOLD began only fairly, he then rode along in an endeavour to carry out the instructions he had been issued. He said ROCKET AND GOLD commenced to over-race making the first turn and when he was left racing three wide without cover he then decided to allow his mount to go forward and shift to a two wide position. He said consequently ROCKET AND GOLD travelled further forward than intended and when racing without cover continued to prove difficult for him to settle for some distance. He said ROCKET AND GOLD then travelled only fairly and commenced to give ground shortly after the 600 Metres. He said in his opinion ROCKET AND GOLD travelled too keenly in the run. Mr C H Yip, trainer of ROCKET AND GOLD, confirmed the riding instructions issued and said it was anticipated the race would be run at a slow tempo and therefore from an inside barrier with ROCKET AND GOLD stepping up in distance to 2000 Metres it was decided to ride the horse more prominently than in its recent starts. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SAMBUOYANT, Z Purton said the intention had been to ride the horse in a rearward position as is usual. He said from an inside barrier SAMBUOYANT began well and due to the slow tempo of the early stages of the race travelled in a midfield position without being made use of. He said SAMBUOYANT travelled satisfactorily in the run, however, was left flat-footed when the tempo of the race quickened shortly after the 600 Metres. He said making the Home Turn he shifted to the outside of ROCKET AND GOLD which was giving ground to ensure his mount had clear running, however, SAMBUOYANT failed to respond to his riding and kept on only one-paced. SAMBUOYANT was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SAMBUOYANT after the race did not show any significant findings. LOHAN was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. After the race, LOHAN was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, LOHAN will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ZEPHYRUS and BATURO were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ZEPHYRUS had sustained a cut to its right hind heel. <16/2/2009 Additional Veterinary Report> The Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison has advised Mr C W Chang, trainer of FAST GO, has reported to him that the horse was lame in the left hind leg following its race yesterday. Before being allowed to race again, FAST GO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.