21/11/2010  Shatin  Race 2

As the start was effected, PACKING KID lifted its front feet off the ground. After this, PACKING KID was taken across behind runners. Then passing the 1000 Metres, PACKING KID proved very difficult to settle and got its head up for a considerable distance when being checked away from the heels of JUST CHILL and PONDEROSA. Near the 900 Metres, JUST CHILL (Apprentice M L Yeung) clipped the heels of GOOD LOOKING WATCH and blundered. JUST CHILL then shifted in, resulting in DARPANA being checked when crowded for room outside DAILY DOUBLE. Apprentice Yeung was advised to ensure that his mounts do not race too close to the heels of the runners in front. Passing the 800 Metres, GOOD LOOKING WATCH proved difficult to settle. JUST CHILL was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Over the concluding stages, SPECTACULAR AWARD became awkwardly placed when unable to obtain clear running behind MING HOI GLORY. Because of this, SPECTACULAR AWARD was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. When questioned, B Prebble stated that from the outside barrier, he had been instructed to be in a forward position if possible. He said PONDEROSA began only fairly, he slapped the horse down the shoulder with the whip as the gates opened, however, in his opinion, PONDEROSA did not show immediate gate speed and he elected shortly after the start to shift across behind runners and obtain cover rather than continue to ride PONDEROSA forward and possibly be left racing wide and without cover. He said shortly after the start he felt that PONDEROSA had been galloped on behind by PACKING KID and when this happened, PONDEROSA commenced to over-race. He said near the 800 Metres another horse may have touched his heels and this again resulted in PONDEROSA proving difficult to settle. He said at the entrance to the Straight he shifted PONDEROSA to the outside of SINGLE MALT and placed the horse under pressure, however, PONDEROSA was most disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding in the Straight. Trainer D J Hall, the trainer of PONDEROSA, confirmed the riding instructions given to B Prebble. He said PONDEROSA had pleased him in its track work leading up to today’s race and a forward showing was expected. He said at this time he was not able to offer any reason for the horse’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of PONDEROSA after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of PONDEROSA, which finished second last, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PONDEROSA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GOOD LOOKING WATCH had sustained an abrasion to the left hock. PONDEROSA, LUCKY TYCOON and MING HOI GLORY were sent for sampling. <22/11/2010 Additional Veterinary Report > PONDEROSA, which finished second last, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. PONDEROSA was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer D J Hall this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left hind leg with back pain. As previously advised, PONDEROSA will be required 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.