26/09/2010  Shatin  Race 4

FOREST FOUNTAIN, REDOUTE STAR and WESTERN STAR were slow to begin. OCTAGONAL CANYON began awkwardly and blundered. From a wide barrier, JOYFUL YEARS was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. BRAVO HORSE was hampered shortly after the start when crowded for room between JOYFUL YEARS and GRAND GENERAL which got its head on the side and shifted out. For some distance passing the 1200 Metres, SOLAR WONDER, which was racing keenly, was checked away from the heels of GRAND GENERAL which at this time was steadied to shift into a position behind LUCKY MONEY STAR. At the 200 Metres, BRAVO HORSE was steadied when disappointed for running between OCTAGONAL CANYON and SAMBUOYANT, both of which shifted slight ground. W C Marwing (FOREST FOUNTAIN) reported that at the entrance to the Straight, he attempted to shift his mount out from behind HEALTHY MANNER, however, FOREST FOUNTAIN got its head on the side and hung in. He said after this FOREST FOUNTAIN continued to be reluctant to shift away from the fence and near the 100 Metres was steadied when unable to improve between HEALTHY MANNER and CLOVIS which at this time was giving ground. When questioned, B Doyle stated that he had been instructed to obtain a forward position on FANTASTIC GUY if possible. He said he rode the horse along in the early stages, however, FANTASTIC GUY did not show any early speed and consequently got back in the field. He said after the 1100 Metres he was left racing three wide and without cover towards the rear of the field, however, he was reluctant to continue to restrain FANTASTIC GUY to obtain cover given that he had been instructed to take up a forward position if possible. He said in the Straight FANTASTIC GUY gave ground. Apprentice K C Leung (CLOVIS) was spoken to regarding his use of the whip on a horse which was no longer in contention of winning or running a place. A veterinary inspection of FANTASTIC GUY and CLOVIS after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of OCTAGONAL CANYON after the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse had lost its left front plate. REDOUTE STAR and LUCKY MONEY STAR were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that LUCKY MONEY STAR was distressed and was displaying signs of the thumps and that SAMBUOYANT had lost its left front plate. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY MONEY STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.