27/12/2010  Shatin  Race 3

COUNTRY MAGIC was crowded for room at the start between HINYUEN PALADIN and CARE FREE LUCK, both of which shifted ground. GREAT HEART was slow to begin. Near the 1000 Metres, WELL NOTED was taken in when bumped by MARVEL PLUS (T Angland). T Angland was reprimanded and advised that whilst competitive riding is encouraged, he should ensure that his actions do not breach the Rules of Racing. Over the final 100 Metres, NOTUS and CARE FREE LUCK raced tight. Over the concluding stages, LUCKY TYCOON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BE GRATEFUL. Because of this, LUCKY TYCOON was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. Just prior to the winning post, TRACK LIGHTNING became unbalanced. Throughout the race, CARE FREE LUCK travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, M Guyon stated that he had been instructed to ride LUCKY TYCOON in a midfield position if possible. He said it was explained to him that LUCKY TYCOON should have sufficient pace from barrier 1 to be able to take up a midfield position without having to be ridden along in the early stages. He said when the gates opened LUCKY TYCOON did not show early speed, therefore he rode the horse along in the early stages to try and have it maintain its position inside FORTUNE GENERAL. He said despite urging LUCKY TYCOON along in the early stages, the horse failed to muster speed and when horses commenced to shift in from his outside, he elected to take a sit behind FORTUNE GENERAL rather than continue to try and hold his position inside that horse. He said this resulted in LUCKY TYCOON racing further back in the field than had been intended. A veterinary inspection of MARVEL PLUS after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY BOY and HINYUEN PALADIN after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on TRACK LIGHTNING at the request of Trainer C Fownes. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, TRACK LIGHTNING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LUCKY TYCOON, CARE FREE LUCK and NOTUS were sent for sampling.