04/07/2010  Shatin  Race 8

RIVER JORDAN was withdrawn on 2.7.10 by order of the Stewards (retirement) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter LAMBRO. As the start was effected, GOOD GAINS, which was being assisted by a barrier attendant, became fractious, lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, GOOD GAINS will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. ROCKET POWER was slow to begin. Throughout the race, SUISSE D’OR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the improved performance of LAMBRO, Trainer S Woods stated that the win today was something of a surprise as, in his opinion, the horse is better suited on tracks with more give in them than that of today’s as well as being more suited to races run over 1400 Metres. He said due to the step up in distance today, he instructed the rider of LAMBRO to ride the horse more quietly than is usual in an attempt to ensure that it was able to run out the distance. He added that there had been no issues surrounding LAMBRO this season which had impacted on the horse’s performance and therefore the only reason that he could give for the improved performance today was the fact that the horse had been ridden more patiently than had previously been the case. B Prebble reported that it had been intended for MARK UP to be ridden behind the leaders if possible from barrier 11, however, when caught racing wide outside SPINNAKER in the early stages, he elected to allow the horse to stride forward rather than remain racing wide. He said that when he did this, MARK UP proved somewhat difficult to settle. After the race, J Lloyd expressed concern over MASTER ELITE’s action. A veterinary inspection of MASTER ELITE after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, MASTER ELITE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MARK UP, LAMBRO and HORACE’S LEGEND were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SOLDIER had lost its left front plate. <5/7/2010 Additional Veterinary Report> The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that SPECIAL DRAGON was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, SPECIAL DRAGON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.