01/07/2009  Shatin  Race 7

ROYAL PERICLES was withdrawn on 30.6.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter PERFECT STYLE (Z Purton). Before being allowed to race again, ROYAL PERICLES will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On jumping, WEI HAI INVINCIBLE was buffeted between PERFECT STYLE and BULLISH GOLD. As a consequence, WEI HAI INVINCIBLE lost ground. ULTRA FANTASY began awkwardly. Also on jumping, CRAIG’S DRAGON stumbled. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, PERFECT STYLE was steadied away from the heels of GLENEALY STAR which steadied to allow NORMAN INVADER to cross. At the same time, BULLISH GOLD hung out. Also at the 800 Metres, ALWAYS GIGGLE was steadied away from the heels of DEFERENTIAL. At the 500 Metres, PERFECT STYLE, which was endeavouring to shift out, became unbalanced after bumping with WEI HAI INVINCIBLE. Inside the final 100 Metres, ULTRA FANTASY, which was closing the race off strongly, got its head on the side and hung in. At the 100 Metres, DIAMOND KNIGHT was steadied away from the heels of BULLISH GOLD which shifted in after being bumped by DEFERENTIAL. In the Straight, DEFERENTIAL hung in. B Doyle (MI REILLY) explained prior to the race he had been advised the horse travels keenly when left racing without cover and only possesses a 300 Metre finishing sprint. He said from a wide barrier he was also advised if he were to go forward, MI REILLY may race without cover and would not relax for him and as a consequence would not finish the race off. He said it was therefore decided MI REILLY would be best suited ridden quietly in a position with cover, then be shifted to the outside in the early part of the Straight to enable it to close the race off. He said MI REILLY began well and over-raced when being taken back in the early stages. He said MI REILLY did not relax for him in the run and as a consequence failed to finish the race off. When questioned regarding the poor performance of CRAIG’S DRAGON, Apprentice K C Leung said prior to the start he gave his mount a good warm up behind the barriers as instructed. He said CRAIG’S DRAGON began only fairly and then despite being ridden along vigorously failed to muster speed as anticipated. He said as a consequence CRAIG’S DRAGON travelled in a rearward position. He said prior to straightening CRAIG’S DRAGON commenced to give ground and because of this he did not persevere in riding his mount out in the Straight. CRAIG’S DRAGON was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CRAIG’S DRAGON after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CRAIG’S DRAGON was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CRAIG’S DRAGON will 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 regarding the poor performance of GLENEALY STAR, A Gryder explained he was able to obtain a forward position and travelled comfortably in the early and middle stages. He said when placed under pressure GLENEALY STAR initially kept on one-paced before giving ground over the concluding stages. He said he has not previously ridden GLENEALY STAR, however, the horse appeared to race “flat” to him. PRESTO and GLENEALY STAR were sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, PRESTO was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, PRESTO will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of GLENEALY STAR after the race did not show any significant findings. PERFECT STYLE, DEFERENTIAL and BULLISH GOLD were sent for sampling.