05/04/2009  Shatin  Race 6

HEIMORI was withdrawn on 4.4.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (left front tendon injury) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter GALACTIC TACTIC. Before being allowed to race again, HEIMORI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NICE KING was a little slow to begin, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of TOUCH LUCKY which shifted out. As a result, NICE KING lost ground and TOUCH LUCKY was slow to muster speed. GALACTIC TACTIC began awkwardly and bounded in the air. On jumping, THE RIFLE was bumped by HELENE ELITE. Prior to straightening, TOUCH LUCKY was steadied when awkwardly placed between CHEEKY LAD and EXCELLENT ELITE, then on straightening was again steadied and shifted in to obtain clear running. Near the 200 Metres, COSMO SUCCESSOR was bumped by HELENE ELITE which was hanging in. IMPLIED VOLATILITY hung out making the Home Turn and in the Straight. Throughout the race, SMART KNIGHT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of HELENE ELITE, H W Lai said due to the rise in class in today’s race, the tempo of the early stages was stronger than when HELENE ELITE was successful at its most recent start. He said because of this he was required to make use of HELENE ELITE in the early stages to obtain a forward position as instructed. He said after the 1200 Metres when he endeavoured to steady HELENE ELITE, his mount commenced to over-race and did not relax until near the 800 Metres. He said HELENE ELITE travelled comfortably in the middle stages of the race, however, in the Straight hung in and then over the final 200 Metres gave ground. He said in his opinion the poor performance of HELENE ELITE was due to the tempo of the early stages of the race. HELENE ELITE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, HELENE ELITE was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said there were no significant findings, but due to the horse being fractious an endoscopic examination was not able to be carried out. GALACTIC TACTIC was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of GALACTIC TACTIC after the race did not show any significant findings. AMBITIOUS OWNER and THE RIFLE were sent for sampling. Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TOUCH LUCKY was making an abnormal breathing noise.