07/02/2010  Shatin  Race 9

As the start was effected, SPECIAL K bounded in the air and lost ground. Shortly after the start, OLE OLE was steadied when crowded for room between VIGOR DELIGHT and BILLION which shifted out. Also shortly after the start, ROCK’N TYPHOON was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of DANESIS which shifted out. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that DANESIS had sustained a cut to the left hind tendon. Before being allowed to race again, DANESIS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After being ridden along to obtain a forward position from the outside barrier, MIGHTY SUN was unable to muster sufficient speed to lead and throughout the race travelled wide. A veterinary inspection of MIGHTY SUN after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, MIGHTY SUN will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also throughout the race, DANESIS travelled wide and without cover. Passing the 1500 Metres, ROCK’N TYPHOON was steadied when crowded for room between PRINCE KALAMOUN which shifted in slightly and SPECIAL K which was taken out by OSVALDO which shifted ground slightly. When questioned, D Whyte (VIGOR DELIGHT) said that he had been instructed to obtain a position behind the leaders if possible but to allow his mount to stride forward from the 700 Metres. He said on entering the Back Straight VIGOR DELIGHT, when racing outside BILLION, was proving somewhat difficult to settle and rather than restraining the horse, he made the decision to allow it to stride forward and lead passing the 1000 Metres. When questioned regarding the improved performance of OLE OLE, Trainer A Lee stated that of its 5 races so far in Hong Kong, its best performance was over this course and distance when it finished 4½ lengths from the winner. He said although OLE OLE’s best performance in Hong Kong had been on the All Weather surface, he still did not expect it to be a winning chance in today’s race. When questioned regarding the performance of NEEDLES AND THREAD, B Doyle said that the horse did not travel throughout the race as it normally does. He said he commenced to ride the horse along after passing the 600 Metres to have it improve its position, however, NEEDLES AND THREAD became unbalanced in its action and was most disappointing in the manner in which it weakened in the Straight. He said, in his opinion, NEEDLES AND THREAD may not have handled today’s track conditions. A veterinary inspection of NEEDLES AND THREAD after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of NEEDLES AND THREAD, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, NEEDLES AND THREAD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. OSVALDO, OLE OLE and IRISH JIG were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that IRISH JIG had lost its left front plate.