13/12/2009  Shatin  Race 6

FULL OF JOY blundered on jumping. Also on jumping, BEST MILITARY was checked when crowded for room between CHATER WAY and JOYFUL WINNER which was taken in by BUTTERFIELD which shifted in abruptly despite the efforts of its rider. CHATER WAY proved difficult to settle in the early and middle stages. Over the concluding stages, THE ONLY KID was steadied when crowded for room between GRAND DRAGON and CHATER WAY which was taken in by GEM OF CHIU TON. Because of this, THE ONLY KID was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. Throughout the race, GRAND DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of REDRAGTOABULL, D Beadman stated that the horse was able to travel in a forward position behind the leaders as anticipated. He said the pace of the race in the early and middle stages was only moderate and when the field sprinted rounding the Home Turn, REDRAGTOABULL was left flat-footed.  He said after this REDRAGTOABULL was disappointing in that it failed to respond to his riding as he thought it should, given the favourable run it had during the race. A veterinary inspection of REDRAGTOABULL after the race did not show any significant findings. CHATER WAY, GEM OF CHIU TON and GRAND DRAGON were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CHATER WAY had sustained a cut to the left front tendon.