04/03/2012  Shatin  Race 2

On the way to the Start, it was noted that FERRABOSCO had lost its right hind plate. This plate was refitted at the Start. FERRABOSCO was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. On arrival at the Start, SURE FORWARD, which made contact with a running rail when proceeding to the barriers, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After being loaded, GLOBAL FAME became fractious, reared and got both fore legs over the front gates and then subsequently over the partition into the adjoining stall. GLOBAL FAME then took some time to be released from the barrier stalls. The Veterinary Officer reported that GLOBAL FAME was not suitable to race and accordingly was withdrawn by order of the Stewards acting on this advice. Before being allowed to race again, GLOBAL FAME will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOLD TARTINI, which was positioned in the adjoining stall to GLOBAL FAME, was removed from the barriers, examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed fit to start. CAPITAL CHAMPION was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, SMART GUY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 900 Metres, ALMIGHTY WINDPOWER proved difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of OUR DYNASTY for some distance. Rounding the Home Turn, ALMIGHTY WINDPOWER and CAPITAL CHAMPION bumped. Approaching the 400 Metres, MOON CHASER and GOLD TARTINI bumped as GOLD TARTINI shifted to the outside of CAPITAL CHAMPION into clear running. Approaching the 300 Metres, GOLD TARTINI was steadied when crowded for room between CAPITAL CHAMPION and MOON CHASER (A Suborics) which shifted in under pressure. A Suborics was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every effort to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. Over the final 200 Metres, OUR DYNASTY hung in and proved difficult to ride. Throughout the race, MOON CHASER travelled wide and without cover. Also throughout the race, CAPITAL CHAMPION travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of CAPITAL CHAMPION after the race revealed that the horse had moderate left sided laryngeal paralysis with significant respiratory noise being noted post-race. An endoscopic examination of CAPITAL CHAMPION also revealed intermittent soft palate displacement. CAPITAL CHAMPION was declared a “roarer”. When questioned regarding the performance of ISLAND SPRING, M Du Plessis stated that he was asked to obtain a handy position on the horse from the inside barrier. He said in the early and middle stages ISLAND SPRING travelled only fairly and had to be ridden along after the 800 Metres to maintain its position. He said in the early part of the Straight his mount, which was inclined to lay in, was awkwardly placed outside the heels of BEAUTIFUL SCENERY which was shifting some ground. He said in the Straight ISLAND SPRING was one-paced and finished off the race only fairly. He added that after the race he did advise the connections of ISLAND SPRING to give consideration to adding blinkers to the horse’s gear having in mind that it was one-paced today and stepping up the horse in distance in its future races. A veterinary inspection of ISLAND SPRING after the race did not show any significant findings. CAPITAL CHAMPION, CHAMPION MOUNT and FERRABOSCO were sent for sampling.