31/01/2010  Shatin  Race 5

After leaving the Parade Ring, HUA SHI became fractious, resulting in H W Lai being dislodged. On arrival at the Start, HUA SHI was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said, in his opinion, it was suitable to race. After being loaded, DIAMOND RAINBOW became very fractious, reared, struck its head on the barrier structure and injured its left eye. DIAMOND RAINBOW was removed from the stall and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said, in his opinion, it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of DIAMOND RAINBOW. Before being allowed to race again, DIAMOND RAINBOW will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HUA SHI was slow to begin. In the early stages, HO HAPPY proved very difficult to settle, got its head up on a number of occasions and approaching the 1000 Metres was checked away from the heels of ST DIDAR. SOLDIER, which was following HO HAPPY, was hampered in consequence. Approaching the first turn, ST DIDAR, which was being steadied in an attempt to obtain cover behind BRAVE HEART, was steadied away from the heels of that horse which shifted out. Throughout the race, HIGH INTELLIGENT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of KING ACRYLIC, A Suborics stated that he had been instructed to go forward as usual. He said accordingly he rode KING ACRYLIC along in the early stages to take up a forward position, however, the horse showed no early speed at all and consequently was obliged to race back in the field. He said in the Straight despite being ridden along, KING ACRYLIC failed to respond to his riding and was most disappointing. Trainer P F Yiu said KING ACRYLIC is a horse that enjoys racing on the speed and when it was not able to obtain a forward position, it was reluctant to stretch out as it had done previously when unable to lead. He said now it is his intention to monitor the manner in which KING ACRYLIC pulls up after the race before deciding on its future programme. A veterinary inspection of KING ACRYLIC after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of KING ACRYLIC, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, KING ACRYLIC will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FLY ME TO THE MOON, W Pike stated that he had been instructed to lead today. He said he had to make some use of the horse to obtain the lead after which FLY ME TO THE MOON was initially pressured by EIGHT PLUS NINE and then JUMBO GOLD in the early stages. He said although FLY ME TO THE MOON responded to his riding in the early part of the Straight, the horse was then disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race. A veterinary inspection of FLY ME TO THE MOON after the race did not show any significant findings. BRAVE HEART and SOLDIER were sent for sampling.