09/06/2012  Shatin  Race 4

As the start was effected, ELEPHANT MAGIC bounded in the air and on landing knuckled over, resulting in its rider, A Suborics, becoming badly unbalanced in the saddle and his right foot being dislodged from the stirrup iron. A Suborics stated that he was not able to regather the use of his right iron until passing the winning post on the first occasion by which time ELEPHANT MAGIC had lost a considerable amount of ground and was detached from the field. He said when he became unbalanced in the saddle, all of his weight transferred to the horse’s left side which resulted in the saddle shifting around marginally to that side for the remainder of the race. He said that having in mind the manner in which the horse began and that as he was concerned for the horse’s welfare, he did not ride his mount out after this incident. Before being allowed to race again, ELEPHANT MAGIC will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. ABLE DRAGON was crowded for room at the start between SOLAR UP and GRACYTOM which shifted in. HAPPY CHA CHA was slow to begin. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, FORTUNE BRAVO, which was travelling wide, was taken back in an endeavour to obtain cover. FORTUNE BRAVO however was not able to obtain cover and for the majority of the race travelled wide and without cover. Making the turn near the 700 Metres, SOLAR BOY was momentarily crowded for room inside FELAROF which, when travelling wide and without cover, got its head on the side and shifted in. Approaching the 350 Metres, GRACYTOM was checked when disappointed for running between RAINBOW SEEKER and HAPPY CHA CHA. Passing the 100 Metres, MIRAGE R was shifted out away from the heels of AMAZING JOURNEY. After this, MIRAGE R raced in restricted room between AMAZING JOURNEY and MEGA POSH. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that AMAZING JOURNEY had lost its left front plate. A veterinary inspection of ELEPHANT MAGIC and FORTUNE BRAVO after the race did not show any significant findings. FELAROF, HAPPY CHA CHA and PERFECT JOY were sent for sampling.