07/06/2009  Shatin  Race 8

When the gates opened, SPECIAL K bounded in the air and struck its head on an overhead bar in the barriers. On jumping, MARIACHI was taken back from the outside barrier. Approaching the 800 Metres, FINN MACCOOL, which was proving difficult to settle, became unbalanced and was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of NORTH HILL which was steadied after commencing to over-race and improving into a narrow run on the inside of MEDIC FORTUNE. No action was taken. Also approaching the turn at the 800 Metres, PRETTY TOUCH was left racing wide and without cover. On straightening, MARIACHI, which had been carried wider, was steadied and shifted in to avoid the heels of FINN MACCOOL (Apprentice M Chadwick) which shifted out when not properly clear. Apprentice Chadwick was reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. At the 200 Metres, WIN A DOZEN was steadied away from the heels of CASH MONEY. Passing the 200 Metres, MASTER CRISTO, which was giving ground, became unbalanced in its action. Apprentice M Chadwick explained in the Straight his mount hung out and shifted wider on the track. When questioned regarding the poor performance of MARIACHI, C K Tong was not able to offer any explanation. He said his mount travelled satisfactorily in a rearward position in the early and middle stages. He said after receiving interference on straightening, he then rode his mount along, however, it did not respond to his riding. He said when struck with the whip MARIACHI showed no response and he therefore did not persevere in riding his mount out. He was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of the horse. MARIACHI was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MARIACHI after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MARIACHI, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MARIACHI will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SPECIAL K was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SPECIAL K after the race did not show any significant findings. FINN MACCOOL, CASH MONEY and CIRCUIT HERO were sent for sampling.