13/09/2009  Shatin  Race 3

TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NEW KID IN TOWN was slow to begin. Passing the 1400 Metres, NAMJONG FIGHTERS was steadied away from the heels of AMITYSHIP (Apprentice K C Leung) which shifted in when not clear. Apprentice Leung was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. At the 1000 Metres, ZEPHYRUS was steadied away from the heels of NAMJONG FIGHTERS which shifted in. Passing the 600 Metres, AMITYSHIP and BRAVE SPIRIT bumped as BRAVE SPIRIT shifted away from the fence. Then near the 200 Metres, BRAVE SPIRIT and AMITYSHIP again bumped due to BRAVE SPIRIT shifting out. When questioned, J Lloyd (FOREST FOUNTAIN) stated that he had been instructed to allow the horse to settle in the early stages as he had been told by the trainer that the horse had been quite strong in its early morning work. He stated that after FOREST FOUNTAIN got its head up at the start, he then shifted the horse across to the fence and attempted to make up ground. He said however FOREST FOUNTAIN was reluctant to stretch out despite his urgings and was unable to obtain a position to the inside of GALLANT MASTER. He added passing the 600 Metres he elected to commence to shift to the outside of GALLANT MASTER, however, when that horse also shifted out, he then allowed FOREST FOUNTAIN which was commencing to hang in to shift back in towards the inside. He said on entering the Straight FOREST FOUNTAIN commenced to hang in badly and despite his efforts continued to hang in badly for the remainder of the race, resulting in him being unable to fully test the horse. He did say when he rode FOREST FOUNTAIN in a barrier trial on 28 August 2009, the horse also hung in quite badly. FOREST FOUNTAIN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FOREST FOUNTAIN after the race did not show any significant findings. In the circumstances, the racing manners of FOREST FOUNTAIN were considered to be unacceptable. Before racing again, FOREST FOUNTAIN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend. BRAVE SPIRIT and AMITYSHIP were sent for sampling.