13/06/2009  Shatin  Race 4

PRECISION MAGIC was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame both hind). Before being allowed to race again, PRECISION MAGIC will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ALGARVE and MAGNANIMOUS were slow to begin. On jumping, GRANDFIELD shifted out and bumped MY MELODY. Also on jumping, EAST RIDER was taken back from the outside barrier. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, MY MELODY failed to muster speed. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, MY MELODY was carried wider by EAST RIDER which got its head up and shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of ALGARVE while racing keenly. Near the 500 Metres, ALGARVE became unbalanced when momentarily tightened for room inside GRANDFIELD. The performances of EAST RIDER and MY MELODY, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, EAST RIDER and MY MELODY will both be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, Y T Cheng (GRANDFIELD) explained approaching the turn at the 800 Metres his mount commenced to travel keenly and became unbalanced in its action when momentarily tightened for room between WINNER SMART and TOUCH LUCKY. He said because of this he restrained his mount slightly in an endeavour to have it regain its balance. He said when he did this GRANDFIELD lost ground which enabled TOUCH LUCKY to shift in to the two wide line in front of him at the 800 Metres. Y T Cheng was told his riding approaching the 800 Metres had come under notice and he must at all times ensure he rides his mounts in a manner to maintain their positions where possible. ALGARVE, SKY WALKER and WINNER SMART were sent for sampling.