14/03/2010  Shatin  Race 5

BE GRATEFUL was withdrawn on 13.3.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore left fore tendon sheath) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter GENERAL SMILE (G Mossé). Before being allowed to race again, BE GRATEFUL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the Start, AMAZING FORTUNE, which made contact with a rail on leaving the Parade Ring, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. SPECTACULAR AWARD, which was difficult to load, will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test before being allowed to race again. Passing the 1100 Metres, MEGA BULLET shifted in and bumped REDOUTE STAR. For the majority of the race, SPARKLING travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, S K Sit (AMBITIOUS OWNER) said that he was instructed to obtain a position behind the speed if possible as it was felt that AMBITIOUS OWNER would have to do too much work from barrier 14 to lead the race and consequently would not be able to finish off the race. When questioned, D Whyte stated that when riding FUN RIDER in two pieces of work in the lead up to today’s race, the horse gave him the impression of being somewhat of a nervy type. He said after being loaded in the barriers today, FUN RIDER became very unsettled which reinforced this opinion. He said for this reason prior to the race today he formed the view that FUN RIDER would not appreciate being struck with the whip. He said in the Straight FUN RIDER responded to his hands and heels riding extremely well and as the horse, in his opinion, was giving of its best and because of its nervous nature, he did not use the whip on the horse as felt that it would not benefit by being struck with the whip. Mr D Cruz, the trainer of FUN RIDER, said that whilst he had not discussed the matter about whether the whip should be used on the horse with D Whyte prior to the race, he was of the view that FUN RIDER is a horse that can race greenly under pressure in the Straight. He said for this reason and having in mind the manner in which FUN RIDER raced today, he was entirely satisfied with the manner in which the horse was ridden today. A veterinary inspection of MEGA BULLET, UNITED and SPARKLING after the race did not show any significant findings. GENERAL SMILE, PUBLIC FIGURE and FUN RIDER were sent for sampling. <15/3/2010 Additional Veterinary Report> The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that NOBLE DE BEST had a cut to the nose and a nasal discharge from the right nostril. He also reported that its right eye was swollen. Before being allowed to race again, NOBLE DE BEST will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.