04/10/2009  Shatin  Race 4

FLEETING QUALITY began awkwardly. DESTINY’S CHILD was slow to begin. Making the first turn, JUST CHILL shifted in, brushed the running rail and as a result became unbalanced. At the same point, DESTINY’S CHILD hung out badly across the heels of THAT’S IT, resulting in BE GRATEFUL being severely checked when crowded for room inside FULL BLESSINGS which itself became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by BE GRATEFUL. SEXY BABY, which was following, was hampered in consequence. Rounding the Home Turn, THAT’S IT raced tight between SOU MA TAM and DARREN which shifted to the outside of FLEETING QUALITY to obtain clear running. Shortly after entering the Straight, DESTINY’S CHILD was steadied when disappointed for running between BE GRATEFUL and LUCKY BOY which shifted out slightly when tiring. When questioned, Apprentice M Chadwick (SOU MA TAM) stated that he had been instructed to have the horse race in as forward a position as possible. He said SOU MA TAM was agitated in the barriers, then in the early stages took some time to muster speed. He said as a result of this horses around him were able to go forward of him and therefore he was not able to ride the horse in a forward position as instructed. He said as a consequence of this SOU MA TAM raced wide and without cover throughout the race. When questioned, B Prebble stated that due to an anticipated fast pace, it was decided to attempt to obtain a forward position on LUCKY BOY but not to lead. He said accordingly he obtained a position behind CHINA HERO initially and then near the 800 Metres allowed DARREN, one of the favoured runners, to cross him. He said however approaching the 600 Metres LUCKY BOY caused him concern in that the horse was not travelling as he thought it should. He said he placed LUCKY BOY under pressure passing the 500 Metres, however, the horse failed to respond to his riding and was most disappointing. When questioned, D Whyte stated that he was able to take up a favourable position on DARREN and the horse travelled very well until the 600 Metres. He said at this time the horse came under pressure and afterwards did not stretch out in the manner in which it had when he had ridden it previously. He said he was unable to offer any explanation for the manner in which DARREN raced today. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY BOY and DARREN after the race did not show any significant findings. DARREN, CHINA HERO and TREASURABLE were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FLEETING QUALITY had bled from both nostrils. <5/10/2009 Additional Veterinary Report> DARREN, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. DARREN was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer J Size this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, DARREN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.