12/06/2010  Shatin  Race 2

MY GOOD FRIEND was withdrawn on 11.6.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore left fore medial splint) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter GOOD SMILE (B Prebble). Before being allowed to race again, MY GOOD FRIEND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Just prior to the gates being released, SUPER PEPPER became fractious and made contact with the front of the gates. GOOD SMILE blundered at the start. JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE began awkwardly. LUCKY SELECTION and GORGEOUS LIFE were slow to begin. PINOT NOIR began awkwardly and then finished tailed out. The performance of PINOT NOIR was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PINOT NOIR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Throughout the race, ROMANTIC CITY hung in badly and proved very difficult to ride and then, in the proximity to the winning post, was checked when crowded for room between JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE (Apprentice K C Leung) and HO HAPPY (Apprentice M L Yeung), both of which shifted ground. Both Apprentices Leung and Yeung were advised to ensure that they make every effort to keep their mounts on a straight course. Also throughout the race, GORGEOUS LIFE hung out and proved difficult to ride. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GOOD SMILE, B Prebble stated that back in distance today, GOOD SMILE was not able to maintain the early speed and came off the bit early in the race. He said GOOD SMILE did not travel well at any stage and, in his opinion, may not have been suited by today`s track surface. A veterinary inspection of ROMANTIC CITY and GOOD SMILE after the race did not show any significant findings. ROMANTIC CITY, VINTAGE HUSSLER and GO FAY FAY were sent for sampling.