22/03/2009  Shatin  Race 8

EXCELLENT BOY was withdrawn on 21.3.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind). Before being allowed to race again, EXCELLENT BOY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Approaching the 600 Metres, EYSHAL, after being carried wider by CALIFORNIAMOUNTAIN, bumped the hindquarters of JACKPOT DELIGHT. Shortly after this, EYSHAL was checked when crowded for room between CALIFORNIAMOUNTAIN (K L Chui) which shifted out further and JACKPOT DELIGHT which shifted in after becoming unbalanced after being bumped. VIVA MACAU, which was following, was steadied to avoid the heels of EYSHAL. K L Chui was told to exercise care. Making the Home Turn, VIVA MACAU raced ungenerously and got its head up. Also making the Home Turn, CALIFORNIAMOUNTAIN hung out. At the 250 Metres, EYSHAL, which was giving ground, was steadied away from the heels of BULLISH CASH which when improving into running towards the outside of JACKPOT DELIGHT shifted wider as JACKPOT DELIGHT got its head on the side and shifted away from JAMESINA which improved on its inside. VIVA MACAU, which was following, was steadied in consequence. No action was taken. Over the concluding stages, JACKPOT DELIGHT was awkwardly placed inside the heels of BEST FRIEND. Because of this, JACKPOT DELIGHT was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. When questioned regarding the poor performance of EYSHAL, D Beadman said in his opinion the barrier trial of the horse on 10 March 2009 in preparation for today's race was below its usual standard. He said he travelled in a forward position in the early stages without making use of his mount. He said when JACKPOT DELIGHT improved around his outside near the 600 Metres, EYSHAL did not respond to his riding and then failed to close the race off. He said EYSHAL raced "flat" today. Mr J Moore, trainer of EYSHAL, advised the Stewards it is now his intention to give EYSHAL a spell. EYSHAL was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of EYSHAL after the race did not show any significant findings. BEST FRIEND, JAMESINA and DANESIS were sent for sampling.