12/06/2010  Shatin  Race 5

MY WAY shifted out at the start, resulting in TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND being taken out onto the hindquarters of LUCKY NISTELROOY which became unbalanced. From the outside barrier, CONFUCIUS FORTUNE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1100 Metres, CONFUCIUS FORTUNE was steadied away from the heels of MY WAY. For some distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, ENGINEERING WONDER proved difficult to settle. Near the 650 Metres, CONFUCIUS FORTUNE was severely checked when crowded for room inside TOUCH CHIC which at this time got its head on the side and shifted in away from MY WAY which itself was awkwardly placed outside the heels of GOLD CITY. Although the incident was one of some significance, the Stewards were unable to apportion blame to any rider and therefore no further action was taken. Over the concluding stages, Apprentice M L Yeung (DOUBLE DRAGON) dropped his right rein. For the majority of the race, ELITE FORTUNE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of AMAZING VENTURE, B Prebble stated that from barrier 11 he was obliged to go forward of other runners in the early stages to cross to a position closer to the fence. He said passing the 1000 Metres he steadied AMAZING VENTURE to let KING AL AKBAR cross and provide AMAZING VENTURE with cover. He said his mount then travelled well throughout the middle stages but when placed under pressure after entering the Straight was disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding. He said the only reason he could offer for the disappointing performance today was that the horse may have appreciated racing on the “Good to Yielding” track surface at its most recent start. A veterinary inspection of AMAZING VENTURE and MY WAY after the race did not show any significant findings. ELITE FORTUNE, TOUCH CHIC and DOUBLE DRAGON were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ENGINEERING WONDER had lost its left front plate. <14/6/2010 Additional Veterinary Report> AMAZING VENTURE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison. He said at that time there were no significant findings. AMAZING VENTURE was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer D E Ferraris yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, AMAZING VENTURE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.