06/03/2011  Shatin  Race 10

SADDLERS LODGE and ARION OF CHIU TON had difficulty obtaining clear running until passing the 300 Metres. EAGLE SPIRIT was not able to obtain clear running until near the 150 Metres. Throughout the race, SPLENDID CHAMPION travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PUBLIC FIGURE, G Cheyne stated that he had to make some use of PUBLIC FIGURE in the early stages to cross NOBLE DELUXE and SLEEP WELL. He said however that after being able to obtain a position on the rail in the lead passing the 1300 Metres, PUBLIC FIGURE became unbalanced when bumped by CITY POWER at the 1200 Metres. He said after this PUBLIC FIGURE travelled well until near the 600 Metres at which point he commenced to become concerned that PUBLIC FIGURE was not travelling into the race as it had done when it had been successful in the past. He added that he placed PUBLIC FIGURE under pressure rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, however, the horse soon came under pressure and did not respond to his riding in the Straight. He said he was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of the horse which, in his opinion, was disappointing. Trainer A Lee stated that, in his opinion, PUBLIC FIGURE was not suited by CITY POWER applying pressure to the horse in the early and middle stages and, in his opinion, this may have accounted for the horse’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of PUBLIC FIGURE after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of PUBLIC FIGURE, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PUBLIC FIGURE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that IRISH PEARL was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, IRISH PEARL will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SADDLERS LODGE, FAMILISTS and ARION OF CHIU TON were sent for sampling.