22/11/2009  Shatin  Race 6

EXPLODING was withdrawn on 21.11.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter AMNESTY (Apprentice M Chadwick). Before being allowed to race again, EXPLODING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HO HAPPY was slow to begin. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, AMNESTY did not muster speed. Near the 800 Metres, PUBLIC FIGURE was momentarily crowded for room inside MOON CHASER which shifted in slightly. Passing the 600 Metres, GOOD PARTNER and PUBLIC FIGURE bumped, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. Throughout the race, BE MY SONG travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Whyte (A WALK IN THE PARK) stated that it had been intended for the horse to be ridden in midfield if possible. He said he shifted his mount across with AMNESTY in the early stages, however, ST DIDAR, which was racing in advance of A WALK IN THE PARK, was racing greenly and was shifting ground on a number of occasions. He said for this reason he was reluctant to improve inside that horse passing the 900 Metres and rather, remained racing behind ST DIDAR. He said as a consequence A WALK IN THE PARK raced further back than had been intended. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ST DIDAR, J Lloyd stated that it had been intended to ride his mount, which was stepping up to 1200 Metres today and was going around a bend for the first time, in about midfield with cover if possible. He said that approaching the first turn ST DIDAR got onto its wrong leg and hung out. He said ST DIDAR continued to hang out rounding the turns and in the Straight raced greenly. He added that whilst ST DIDAR was disappointing today, he believed this could be attributed to the horse’s lack of experience. A veterinary inspection of ST DIDAR after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of ST DIDAR, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ST DIDAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPREME WIN and MOON CHASER were sent for sampling.