25/10/2009  Shatin  Race 5

WALKONTHEWILDSIDE and FAVOURITE SUPREME were slow to begin. Approaching the first turn, OSVALDO was awkwardly placed when racing tight inside DRAGON EYE which drifted in slightly. Near the 700 Metres, FULL PACK was checked away from the heels of DANZULU. Passing the 200 Metres, WALKONTHEWILDSIDE shifted out and was steadied away from the heels of FULL PACK. For some distance after this, WALKONTHEWILDSIDE continued to be awkwardly placed close to the heels of FULL PACK. When questioned, G Mossé (MERIDIAN PRIDE) stated that he had been instructed that if the pace was slow, to obtain a forward position as it did last start, however, if this was not the case, to ride the horse where it was comfortable with cover. He said MERIDIAN PRIDE, which was dropping back in distance today, began only fairly, he rode his mount along in the early stages to take up a forward position, however, APPRECIATION and CASH MONEY showed more speed on his outside and was able to cross MERIDIAN PRIDE with ease. He said due to the manner in which the race was being run in the early stages, he believed MERIDIAN PRIDE did not have sufficient pace to be in a more forward position without use being made of it, therefore he elected to attempt to restrain MERIDIAN PRIDE and find cover. He said near the 800 Metres he was able to shift in and obtain cover behind CALIFORNIA MOON, the horse travelled satisfactorily, however, when he shifted MERIDIAN PRIDE out shortly after entering the Straight, it did not respond to his riding and was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. Trainer A Lee stated that, in his opinion, MERIDIAN PRIDE is a horse that requires favourable circumstances in a race to be competitive. He said at its most recent start over 1600 Metres, the horse was able to obtain the lead with advantageously slow sectionals which allowed it to finish off the race. He said the performance of MERIDIAN PRIDE today could be attributed to the fact that the horse was not able to be ridden in a similar manner. A veterinary inspection of MERIDIAN PRIDE after the race did not show any significant findings. Mr Lee was advised that prior to racing again, MERIDIAN PRIDE, a last start winner, would be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. He was also advised that whilst the Stewards accepted MERIDIAN PRIDE had been suited by the slow pace at its most recent start, he was reminded of the importance for horses under his care to race consistently wherever possible. When questioned, Apprentice M Chadwick (CALIFORNIA MOON) stated that he was instructed to lead on the horse if there was no pace in the race, however, if the tempo of the race was sufficient, to obtain a position behind the leaders with cover. He said CALIFORNIA MOON began only fairly, a number of runners to his outside were ridden to go forward, therefore he elected to try and obtain a position with cover behind DANZULU. He said when he did this, FULL PACK improved its position to be racing to his inside and as such he was not able to shift in. He said due to these circumstances, CALIFORNIA MOON was obliged to race three wide and without cover throughout the race. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA MOON after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of YANKEE after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, YANKEE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. APPRECIATION and DANZULU were sent for sampling.