19/12/2010  Shatin  Race 8

LU YUE was withdrawn on 18.12.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter MIRAGE R (J Lloyd). Before being allowed to race again, LU YUE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Whilst in the saddling stalls, CHEETAH BOY had its left front plate refitted. CHEETAH BOY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. As the start was effected, MAJESTIC HEART threw its head up, lifted its front feet off the ground and then in the early stages continued to get its head up and would not stride out. Because of this, MAJESTIC HEART lost a considerable amount of ground. After interviewing Trainer C Fownes regarding MAJESTIC HEART which has a history of similar behaviour at the barriers, the Stewards advised Mr Fownes that they would afford him the opportunity to speak with the owners of MAJESTIC HEART prior to the Stewards having to make a determination regarding the horse’s racing future. TELECOM GOGO was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, MIRAGE R and LUCKY FOREVER were crowded for room between BILLION which was taken out by CHEETAH BOY and KING OF SCOTS which shifted in. Near the 1600 Metres, BILLION was momentarily awkwardly placed between CHEETAH BOY and KING OF SCOTS. At the entrance to the Straight, SUPER GENKI was checked away from the heels of BILLION. Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, HOT SHOT was badly held up for clear running behind CHEETAH BOY which was giving ground. ANTIPASTO was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. The performance of CHEETAH BOY, which was fractious in the barriers and finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. The performance of TELECOM GOGO, which also finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CHEETAH BOY and TELECOM GOGO will both 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 the disappointing performance of REAL SUPREME, Apprentice C Y Ho stated that, in his opinion, the horse had failed to run out the 1800 Metres of today’s race at its first time of asking. He added the tempo of the race did not suit REAL SUPREME and this may have contributed to the horse’s failure to run the distance out. A veterinary inspection of REAL SUPREME and CHEETAH BOY after the race did not show any significant findings. HOT SHOT and FUN HEROES were sent for sampling.