01/05/2010  Shatin  Race 8

HAPPY ZERO was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, GREEN BIRDIE blundered. At the 850 Metres, ONE WORLD got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of HAPPY ZERO which itself shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of AMIGO. Near the 350 Metres, Z Purton (HAPPY ZERO) had some difficulty changing his whip from his left hand into his right hand. This resulted in his left arm extending away from his body. When questioned, J Lloyd stated that he had been instructed to have AMIGO racing handier than has been the case as Trainer C W Chang anticipated that HAPPY ZERO, ONE WORLD and GREEN BIRDIE, the principal chances in the race, would be ridden off the speed. He said it was felt that AMIGO would not be able to give those horses a start, particularly HAPPY ZERO and ONE WORLD. He said accordingly he rode AMIGO along in the early stages to take up a position behind the leaders, however, when the pace slackened near the 900 Metres AMIGO proved somewhat difficult to settle and had to be restrained away from the heels of DIM SUM. He said after this AMIGO travelled satisfactorily. HAPPY ZERO, ULTRA FANTASY and GREEN BIRDIE were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ULTRA FANTASY had lost its left front plate.