22/03/2009  Shatin  Race 4

While in the saddling stalls, BLINK AGAIN had both hind plates reset. BLINK AGAIN was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. FAT CHOY ICHIBAN was slow into stride. Near the 600 Metres, BLINK AGAIN became unbalanced when racing tight between AMAZING JOURNEY and HARRY HARRY. From on straightening until after the 300 Metres, PACIFIC ALLIANCE was not able to obtain clear running. From on straightening until the 150 Metres, GALLANT MASTER was held up and unable to obtain clear running. After the 400 Metres, FEEL THE FUN was bumped by MAMMA MIA which was endeavouring to shift to the outside of SPIRIT OF LO PAN to obtain clear running. Near the 200 Metres, MAMMA MIA, FEEL THE FUN and HARRY HARRY were crowded for room inside FAT CHOY ICHIBAN which shifted in when barely clear. No action was taken. When questioned, Mr T W Leung, the trainer of FORTUNE WARRIOR, said it was his intention to have the horse ridden further forward in today's race than is usual. He said FORTUNE WARRIOR had drawn favourably in what was anticipated to be a slowly run race. He said for this reason he told M W Leung, the rider of FORTUNE WARRIOR, to make some use of the horse in the early stages and have it travelling in a forward position or in midfield if possible. He said whilst he was satisfied with the performance of FORTUNE WARRIOR, he believed the horse is better suited when able to obtain clear running in the early part of the Straight. When questioned regarding the improved performance of FAT CHOY ICHIBAN, Trainer C H Yip said the horse benefited from the drop in class of today's race and also the increase in distance. He said he was satisfied with the riding of C W Wong who had ridden the horse in its recent starts. He said today because of the increase in the weight to be carried by FAT CHOY ICHIBAN, it meant that G Mossé would be able to ride the horse and he therefore chose to engage him. VERY FIT was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of VERY FIT after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of VERY FIT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, VERY FIT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BLINK AGAIN, which performed poorly, was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, BLINK AGAIN was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination confirmed the horse to be a “roarer”. FAT CHOY ICHIBAN and AMAZING JOURNEY were sent for sampling. <23/3/2009 Additional Veterinary Report > VERY FIT, which finished tailed out, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. VERY FIT was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer A S Cruz this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. As previously advised, VERY FIT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.