15/03/2009  Shatin  Race 9

LUMINOUS began awkwardly. On jumping, SOLAR MIGHTY got its head up and lost ground. In the early stages, MEDIC FORTUNE was allowed to drift back, then after the 400 Metres was shifted out to obtain clear running. On straightening, WIN PRACTITIONER was steadied and shifted to the outside of FULL PACK to go forward. At the 250 Metres, W M Lai (LOCAL POWER) had the whip knocked from his hand by the whip of O Doleuze (FLORAL EL CUENTO). Throughout the race, WEI HAI INVINCIBLE and LOCAL POWER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Beadman (HAPPY ZERO) said today his mount travelled more strongly than it had previously. He said in the early stages he allowed DREAM TEAM to cross into the lead as he felt HAPPY ZERO might then relax better which it commenced to do it approaching the turn at the 800 Metres. He said after this DOUBLE LUCK improved around the outside and as HAPPY ZERO had commenced to travel a little more kindly for him, he elected to allow that runner to cross. He said he followed the leaders into the Home Straight. He said after this HAPPY ZERO had some difficulty obtaining clear running between DOUBLE LUCK and LUMINOUS. He said when in the clear over the final 250 Metres whilst HAPPY ZERO did close the race off fairly, he was disappointed in the horse’s performance as it did not quicken in the manner in which it had in the past. He said in his opinion HAPPY ZERO raced somewhat “flat” today. B Prebble (DOUBLE LUCK) said his mount travelled satisfactorily in the run, however, when placed under pressure after straightening did not respond to his riding and became unbalanced in its action. He said when DOUBLE LUCK was giving ground, it continued to be unbalanced and therefore he did not ride his mount out fully to the end of the race. DOUBLE LUCK was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of DOUBLE LUCK after the race did not show any significant findings. In the circumstances, the performance of DOUBLE LUCK, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DOUBLE LUCK will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MEDIC FORTUNE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, MEDIC FORTUNE was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, MEDIC FORTUNE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HAPPY ZERO, DREAM TEAM and PRESTO were sent for sampling.