04/04/2010  Shatin  Race 4

HO WONGCHOY began awkwardly, shortly after the start shifted in, resulting in UPSIDE OF ANGER being taken in onto TREMENDOUS PLUS, resulting in both those two horses becoming unbalanced. HOW WONDERFUL was slow to begin. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, LUCKYME failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. Near the 850 Metres, LUCKYME was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DASH which shifted out slightly. EVER KING, which was following, was hampered in consequence. Rounding the Home Turn, HOW WONDERFUL was steadied away from the heels of EVER KING after being disappointed for running between that horse and FOREST FOUNTAIN. HOW WONDERFUL was then held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 300 Metres was steadied away from the heels of DASH and shifted in to improve its position. Passing the 200 Metres, LUCKYME was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HOW WONDERFUL which shifted in. Over the final 200 Metres, FOREST FOUNTAIN (J Lloyd) got its head on the side and hung in. J Lloyd was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out right to the end of the race where circumstances permit. The performance of BATURO, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BATURO 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, Apprentice T H So stated that as usual he was instructed to lead on HEALTHY BLUEBERRY. He said in the early stages he had to make some use of the horse to go forward from barrier 14. He said after reaching the lead he allowed HEALTHY BLUEBERRY to continue on rather than restrain his mount as it had been successful in the past when ridden in this manner. After being made aware of the sectional times of the race, Apprentice So agreed that he had gone too fast on the horse on this occasion, particularly between the 1600 Metres and the 1200 Metres. He was advised that he should be mindful of the tempo that he sets on horses and to ensure that they are ridden in such a manner so as to be able to finish off their races. A veterinary inspection of UPSIDE OF ANGER after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, UPSIDE OF ANGER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SABINA and HOW WONDERFUL were sent for sampling.