09/12/2009  Happy Valley  Race 3

MAINLAND SHUTTLE was withdrawn on 8.12.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter FUJIAN PRINCE (W Buick). Before being allowed to race again, MAINLAND SHUTTLE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FUJIAN PRINCE, which was leaning against the outside of its stall, was slow to begin. BATURO began awkwardly. Passing the 1300 Metres, HARRY HARRY and CONQUEROR were taken wider by HO WONGCHOY which shifted out around BATURO after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. For some distance approaching the Home Turn, LIVERBIRD raced in restricted room between CONQUEROR and TREMENDOUS PLUS. Then, passing the 400 Metres, LIVERBIRD struck the heels of TREMENDOUS PLUS (J Murtagh) and blundered due to TREMENDOUS PLUS shifting away from the fence after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of HARRY HARRY which shifted in. MARS EXPRESS, which was following, was hampered in consequence. J Murtagh was severely reprimanded and advised to do his utmost to protect his fellow riders in similar circumstances. Shortly after entering the Straight, ENCOSTA DON and LIVERBIRD bumped due to both horses shifting ground. Passing the 200 Metres, TREMENDOUS PLUS shifted out away from the heels of HO WONGCHOY which drifted out under pressure. Over the concluding stages, HARRY HARRY and BATURO raced in restricted room inside PERFECT TEN (Y T Cheng) which shifted in. Because of this, both BATURO and HARRY HARRY were not ridden right out to the end of the race as they normally would be. Y T Cheng was advised to ensure he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. Throughout the race, BRILLIANT ONE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Mr T K Ng, the trainer of BRILLIANT ONE, stated that it had been intended for the horse to be ridden in a midfield position if possible. He said he instructed the rider of the horse to be positive out of the barriers in an endeavour to cross runners to his inside in order to obtain a position one off the fence if circumstances permitted. He said however, due to circumstances, BRILLIANT ONE raced more forward than he had anticipated. BOBO WIN and PERFECT TEN were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FUJIAN PRINCE was lame in the right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, FUJIAN PRINCE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.