26/09/2010  Shatin  Race 3

As the start was effected, THISTLE SPIRIT lifted its front feet off the ground, was slow to begin and consequently lost ground. WIN WIN FELLOWSHIP began awkwardly. WADASURPRISE, which from a wide draw, was taken across behind runners shortly after the start and hung out making the first turn. WADASURPRISE continued to race with its head on the side until after the 1200 Metres. Near the 250 Metres, GALLANT GALLOP was shifted to the inside of the heels of UNIQUE SPEED to continue improving. Near the 150 Metres, GALLANT GALLOP, which was closing off the race, was steadied away from the heels of INDUSTRIAL MARVEL when held up behind that horse which was giving ground. Throughout the race, GREAT HERO travelled wide and without cover and tailed out after weakening badly in the Straight. The performance of GREAT HERO was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GREAT HERO 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 regarding his riding of MACHO EXPRESSO, B Prebble stated that he had been instructed, from barrier 12, to take the horse back in the early stages in an endeavour to have it settle so as to see out the distance of today’s race. He said it was felt that with the short run to the first turn, if MACHO EXPRESSO were to be ridden to obtain a forward position, the horse would be left wide and consequently would not be able to finish off the race. He said accordingly he shifted MACHO EXPRESSO across behind runners shortly after the start in a position at the rear of the field. He said in the early stages of the race, despite his riding MACHO EXPRESSO along, the horse was reluctant to stretch out properly and, in his opinion, was resenting the kickback. He added for this reason he used the whip on MACHO EXPRESSO on a number of occasions passing the 1400 Metres in an endeavour to get the horse to travel more kindly. He said despite being struck with the whip, MACHO EXPRESSO did not stretch out and for this reason on entering the Back Straight passing the 1200 Metres, he shifted the horse out so as to avoid the kickback. He said when he did this, MACHO EXPRESSO commenced to travel more kindly. He said making the turn near the 750 Metres he shifted MACHO EXPRESSO closer to the rail and used the whip down the shoulder of the horse to have it improve its position. He said he rode MACHO EXPRESSO along from this point and the horse then closed off the race strongly. Trainer D J Hall confirmed the instructions given to B Prebble and stated that he did not believe MACHO EXPRESSO, which was attempting the 1650 Metres today for the first time whilst trained by him, would have sufficient speed to overcome its wide barrier and take up a forward position. When questioned regarding the performance of DAILY DOUBLE, B Doyle stated that the horse, which was up significantly in body weight today and was resuming at 1650 Metres, travelled well until near the 600 Metres at which point it came under pressure. He stated that, in his opinion, the fitness of the horse gave out today and this was the reason for its disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of DAILY DOUBLE and GREAT HERO after the race did not show any significant findings. TOP HONOR and MACHO EXPRESSO were sent for sampling. <27/9/2010 Additional Veterinary Reports > GREAT HERO, which tailed out, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. GREAT HERO was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer D Cruz this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in the right front leg. As previously advised, GREAT HERO will have to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.