24/02/2010  Happy Valley  Race 8

TRULLI was withdrawn on 23.2.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter POLYGOLD (B Doyle). Before being allowed to race again, TRULLI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MR VIGOROUS was slow to begin. ONE WEE ACORN began awkwardly and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of GOOD STRIKE which shifted out. At the 600 Metres, both PLAN B and GRAND PROFIT brushed the running rail and became unbalanced. Near the 150 Metres, GRAND PROFIT was momentarily crowded for room between PLAN B and NUGGET WARRIOR which shifted in. POLYGOLD, which was following, was steadied and shifted out in consequence. When questioned, J Lloyd stated that ONE WEE ACORN proved difficult to proceed to the barriers. He said at the entrance to the Straight he commenced to ride ONE WEE ACORN along, the horse initially responded to his riding, however, approaching the 200 Metres it got its head up and appeared to falter in its action for a number of strides. He said as he was concerned regarding ONE WEE ACORN’s action, he stopped riding the horse for a short distance before recommencing riding it to the line. He said passing the 100 Metres ONE WEE ACORN was steadied when crowded for room between POLYGOLD and CENTURY SUPER STAR and after this incident ONE WEE ACORN pulled up quickly. He added when returning to the unsaddling area, ONE WEE ACORN was lethargic in the manner in which it trotted up. As ONE WEE ACORN had performed in a similar manner previously, the Stewards ruled that prior to racing again the horse will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, G Mossé (GOOD STRIKE) stated that he had been instructed to have the horse in a more forward position tonight if circumstances permitted. He said it was hoped that GOOD STRIKE would be able to obtain a position behind the leaders with cover if possible. He said in accordance with his instructions, he rode GOOD STRIKE along in the early stages, however, rounding the first turn GOOD STRIKE was left racing wide and without cover, therefore passing the 1000 Metres he elected to steady his mount to shift in behind NUGGET WARRIOR with cover. A veterinary inspection of NUGGET WARRIOR, ONE WEE ACORN and GRAND PROFIT after the race did not show any significant findings. TAI SING YEH and HOLEY DOLLAR were sent for sampling. The Stewards will interview Apprentice M L Yeung regarding the disappointing performance of NUGGET WARRIOR prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting this coming Sunday, 28 February 2010.