26/02/2012  Shatin  Race 8

Shortly after the start, HAPPY SEVEN, which was being ridden along to obtain a forward position, became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by DELTA HEDGE. Approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, WON TON KING PRAWN proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. Shortly after the 400 Metres, WON TON KING PRAWN and SOLAR GREAT bumped as WON TON KING PRAWN shifted out from behind DOUBLE DRAGON into clear running. Throughout the race, HAPPY SEVEN travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performances of HAPPY SEVEN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY SEVEN 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, M L Yeung stated that he had been instructed that if SOLAR GREAT began well, to allow the horse to take up a position in front of midfield, however, if SOLAR GREAT did not show any early speed, he should ride the race accordingly. He said after beginning well he allowed SOLAR GREAT to improve its position and the horse travelled keenly and went forward without being pressured to do so. He said that when WON TON KING PRAWN and KEEN MARIE steadied making the first turn, he was left racing outside the leader, DOUBLE DRAGON without cover. He said SOLAR GREAT then travelled satisfactorily, however, in the Straight finished off the race only fairly. He added that SOLAR GREAT is better suited when able to obtain cover. Trainer A Lee confirmed that he had provided Jockey Yeung with two sets of instructions depending on the manner in which the horse began. He said however that he did not expect SOLAR GREAT to travel as keenly as it did in the early stages and, in his opinion, the horse was required to race in a more forward position than had been hoped. He said because SOLAR GREAT was placed in a forward position in what was a steadily run race, the horse was then not able to finish off the race. He added whenever possible he hoped to have SOLAR GREAT ridden more conservatively than it was today. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME KNIGHT after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, SUPREME KNIGHT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of FIONN’S DRAGON after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, FIONN’S DRAGON will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of HEART WOOD after the race did not show any significant findings. FIONN’S DRAGON, WON TON KING PRAWN and ANCIENT KINGDOM were sent for sampling.