28/12/2008  Shatin  Race 8

SIR ERNESTO was slow to begin and was then taken across behind runners, then in the early and middle stages proved very difficult to settle and travelled close to the heels of SYLLABUS. Shortly after the start, TOP HONOR, which was being taken back from a wide gate, got its head up. For the major part of the race, SUNNY GOLF hung out. The performance of SUMMERVILLE POWER, which commenced to give ground at the 1000 Metres and finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUMMERVILLE POWER 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 regarding the poor performance of DANESIS, W C Marwing said the intention had been to ride the horse in a forward position as is usual. He said DANESIS began awkwardly, he then rode his mount along, however, it failed to muster speed. He said DANESIS felt unbalanced in its action and because of this making the first turn he looked down at the horse’s legs on several occasions which he did again at the 1000 Metres. He said at no stage of the race did DANESIS travel comfortably and was under pressure throughout to hold its position. He said in the Straight DANESIS did make ground, however, in his opinion was disappointing. He said following the race he noted DANESIS had lost its right front plate which in his opinion occurred at the start of the race. He also said on pulling up DANESIS coughed. DANESIS was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. After the race, DANESIS was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said there were no significant findings other than he confirmed the horse had lost its right front plate. Before being allowed to race again, DANESIS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. D Whyte (WATCH WHAT HAPPENS) was not able to offer any explanation for the poor performance of the horse. He said WATCH WHAT HAPPENS travelled in a rearward position as anticipated and he followed DANESIS in the run which was the horse he considered to be most difficult to beat. He said WATCH WHAT HAPPENS travelled comfortably, however, when placed under pressure after straightening did not respond to his riding and disappointed him in the manner in which it finished the race off. WATCH WHAT HAPPENS and SUMMERVILLE POWER were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of WATCH WHAT HAPPENS and SUMMERVILLE POWER after the race did not show any significant findings. SYLLABUS and WHATABOB were sent for sampling.