20/02/2011  Shatin  Race 5

PANTHER RUN was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, CHATER D’CAT was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For the majority of the early and middle stages, HAPPY SEVEN travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY SEVEN after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HAPPY SEVEN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY SEVEN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Near the 100 Metres, HEALTHY BLUEBERRY jumped a mark on the track. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SUMMER DASH, B Prebble stated that the horse had trialed well prior to its first start in Hong Kong when ridden quietly in an official barrier trial on the All Weather Track. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion SUMMER DASH was reluctant to maintain its position inside PANTHER RUN and for this reason he had to ride the horse along vigorously in an attempt to maintain its position. He said SUMMER DASH then travelled only fairly throughout the race and came under pressure prior to the 600 Metres. He added that despite riding SUMMER DASH along vigorously with the whip rounding the Home Turn, the horse did not respond to his riding and in the Straight when continuing to be ridden out got its head on the side and lay out. He said he was not able to offer any reason for the performance of SUMMER DASH which raced disappointingly today. A veterinary inspection of SUMMER DASH and HORSESHOE FORTUNE after the race did not show any significant findings. SUMMER DASH, JOLLY GOOD and FLYING CHINA were sent for sampling.