09/04/2011  Shatin  Race 6

On arrival at the Start, the tongue tie worn by MARVEL PLUS was replaced. CLEMENT SPIRIT was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, MARVEL PLUS was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 1200 Metres, ASMODAI was steadied away from the heels of DISPATCHER (D Whyte) which shifted in when not properly clear. D Whyte was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. After this, ASMODAI was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DISPATCHER. Near the 1100 Metres, CLEMENT SPIRIT was severely checked away from the heels of NAMJONG HUNTER which itself got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of DYNAMIC CROSS which was being steadied by its rider to allow CHARMGOLD to cross. At the same time, GOOD GAINS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHINY DAY which throughout the race travelled wide and without cover. After the 200 Metres, NAMJONG HUNTER (Z Purton) was steadied after racing in restricted room between ASMODAI and DYNAMIC CROSS for some distance. In this incident, Z Purton dropped his right rein. The performance of DARING SPIKE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DARING SPIKE will 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, B Prebble stated that in the early stages he was obliged to ride CLEMENT SPIRIT along as the horse did not show any early pace. He said when the tempo of the race slackened near the 1100 Metres, CLEMENT SPIRIT had to be severely checked to avoid the heels of the runner in front. He said CLEMENT SPIRIT then travelled only fairly and rounding the Home Turn he was required to commence riding the horse along with the whip in order to have it maintain its position. He said he was following the eventual winner, GOOD GAINS into the Straight, however, that horse showed a superior turn of foot and CLEMENT SPIRIT, despite being ridden along, did not respond to his riding and its performance was disappointing. When questioned, J Lloyd (QUELLE SURPRISE) stated that shortly after entering the Straight he shifted the horse to the outside of SHINY DAY and the horse responded well to his riding for a short distance. He said however that after the 300 Metres QUELLE SURPRISE commenced to give ground and became unbalanced in its action. He said he continued to ride the horse along hands and heels, however, he felt that something may have been amiss with QUELLE SURPRISE and for this reason he did not ride it out over the final 100 Metres. He added at this time QUELLE SURPRISES was a beaten horse and was giving ground. J Lloyd was reminded of his obligation that wherever possible he rides his mounts out at least hands and heels to the line. A veterinary inspection of SOLDIER, CLEMENT SPIRIT and QUELLE SURPRISE after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on MARVEL PLUS at the request of Trainer K L Man. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, MARVEL PLUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DISPATCHER, GOOD GAINS and CHARMGOLD were sent for sampling.