05/02/2011  Shatin  Race 11

As the start was effected, FAT CHOY OOHLALA put its head down and was very slow to begin. Before being allowed to race again, FAT CHOY OOHLALA will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. Approaching the 1200 Metres, MIGHTY SUN was steadied away from the heels of MR MARFACH (Apprentice T H So) which shifted in when barely clear. Apprentice So was advised to ensure that he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. Near the 1000 Metres, MIGHTY SUN was left racing wide and without cover, was then ridden along to obtain a more forward position, however, continued to race wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, SEMOS and FREE JUDGEMENT bumped as SEMOS attempted to shift out to obtain clear running. After this, SEMOS was not able to obtain clear running until passing the 300 Metres. From on straightening until passing the 200 Metres, INTERCHINA STAR was not able to improve its position when held up behind PAGANINI’S SOUL which was giving ground. SHIFACHI TRADITION had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Both BUSINESS AS USUAL and DIEGO were badly held up and not able to obtain clear running until passing the 200 Metres. OPERATION SECRET was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 150 Metres. When questioned, D Whyte stated that PAGANINI’S SOUL travelled well in the lead and was able to dictate the tempo of the race to suit. He said shortly after entering into the Straight PAGANINI’S SOUL became unbalanced in its action, got its head on the side and shifted out. He said as he was concerned regarding PAGANINI’S SOUL’s action at this time, he balanced the horse up before placing it under pressure near the 350 Metres. He said he rode PAGANINI’S SOUL along, however, the horse did not respond to his riding and as it continued to be unbalanced in its action, he had concerns that the horse may have gone amiss. He added for this reason he eased the horse down from the 200 Metres. He said when he did this, PAGANINI’S SOUL was already a beaten horse at that time. Trainer J Size stated that he was unable to offer any explanation for the performance of PAGANINI’S SOUL, particularly given the manner in which it travelled in the lead in the early and middle stages. He said PAGANINI’S SOUL had pleased him in the lead up to today’s race and a forward showing was expected. A veterinary inspection of PAGANINI’S SOUL after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. The performance of PAGANINI’S SOUL was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PAGANINI’S SOUL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of INTERCHINA STAR after the race did not show any significant findings. PAGANINI’S SOUL, FREE JUDGEMENT and FAT CHOY OOHLALA were sent for sampling.