20/03/2011  Shatin  Race 4

SPICY SHRIMP was withdrawn on 19.3.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (capped left fore elbow). Before being allowed to race again, SPICY SHRIMP will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the Parade Ring, DUKE’S VICTORY, which had been replated on the right front leg, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. MARVEL PLUS was slow to begin. DISPATCHER shifted in at the start, resulting in BREEZE OF LUCK and POLYGOLD being crowded for room. From the outside barrier, QUANTUM POWER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. However, QUANTUM POWER proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions passing the 1200 Metres and near the 900 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. After this, QUANTUM POWER continued to over-race. Shortly after the start, SUPER HORSE was momentarily crowded for room between DUKE’S VICTORY and HINYUEN PALADIN which shifted out. Approaching the 800 Metres, SUPER HORSE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHINY DAY. At the entrance to the Straight, SHINY DAY was steadied away from the heels of DUKE’S VICTORY which shifted out slightly. Passing the 200 Metres, POLYGOLD was held up for clear running inside BREEZE OF LUCK and behind SUPER HORSE. After this, POLYGOLD had some difficulty obtaining clear running. Over the concluding stages, SUPER HORSE got its head on the side and lay in and because of this proved difficult to ride. For the majority of the race, DUKE’S VICTORY travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of M Guyon (BIG WINNER AGAIN) over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned, M Guyon stated that passing the 1200 Metres he was racing wide to the outside of SUPER HORSE. He said rather than continue to race wide, he elected to shift BIG WINNER AGAIN across behind SUPER HORSE near the 1000 Metres and this resulted in BIG WINNER AGAIN racing further back in the field than had been intended. He said after this he was obliged to ride his mount along as the horse was somewhat reluctant to maintain the position behind SUPER HORSE. He added that approaching the 800 Metres BIG WINNER AGAIN got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of SUPER HORSE. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LUCKY CHEVALIER, W C Marwing said that he had ridden LUCKY CHEVALIER in its work leading up to today’s race and this work, particularly on the Friday preceding to today’s race, was, in his opinion, very good. He said based on this work, LUCKY CHEVALIER was given a strong chance in today’s race by the connections of the horse. He said LUCKY CHEVALIER travelled well throughout the race behind the eventual winner, DISPATCHER and after being shifted out into clear running at the top of the Straight was most disappointing in the manner in which it failed to respond to his riding. He said he was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of LUCKY CHEVALIER. Trainer D E Ferraris confirmed that he gave LUCKY CHEVALIER a strong chance in today’s race as the horse had done particularly well since its most recent run. He said he was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of the horse other than it may not have been suited by the average tempo of today’s race. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY CHEVALIER after the race did not show any significant findings. DISPATCHER and SUPER HORSE were sent for sampling.