13/04/2011  Shatin  Race 2

FORTUNE TOGETHER was slow to begin. Near the 400 Metres, TELECOM NEW STAR was crowded for room inside BE GRATEFUL which got its head on the side and lay in when giving ground. BE GRATEFUL then collapsed near the 200 Metres, resulting in J Lloyd, its rider, being dislodged. The Veterinary Officer subsequently reported that BE GRATEFUL had bled from both nostrils. After initially being examined by the Club’s medical officers and passed fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements, J Lloyd a short time later complained of pain to the neck area. J Lloyd was again examined by the Club’s medical officers who said after this further examination that he was no longer fit to fulfil his remaining riding engagements. Near the 250 Metres, CHATER POWER was bumped by WEI HAI INVINCIBLE (Apprentice K C Leung) which shifted out after being brushed by GLOBAL WIN. In this incident, the whip of Apprentice Leung became entangled briefly with CHATER POWER. Throughout the race, REAL DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FORTUNE TOGETHER, B Prebble stated that the horse travelled satisfactorily in the early stages when following the eventual winner, SMART KIDS. He said however that near the 600 Metres he became concerned with the manner in which FORTUNE TOGETHER was travelling and was obliged to commence riding his mount along in order to have it maintain its position behind SMART KIDS. He said despite being ridden along, FORTUNE TOGETHER failed to maintain its position and he had to ride the horse vigorously rounding the Home Turn, however, it gave ground abruptly and was most disappointing in its failure at any stage after the 600 Metres to respond to his riding. Mr Y S Tsui, trainer of FORTUNE TOGETHER, said that the horse worked well in the lead up to tonight’s race and based on this track work he expected it to be a strong chance tonight. He said he was very disappointed with the manner in which FORTUNE TOGETHER performed as the horse did not appear to have any reasonable excuses. A veterinary inspection of FORTUNE TOGETHER after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of FORTUNE TOGETHER, a favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FORTUNE TOGETHER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TELECOM NEW STAR (C W Wong) got its head up at the start and lost ground. C W Wong was advised that the frequency of horses ridden by him were being slow to begin or beginning awkwardly had come to the notice of the Stewards and he was placed on notice that should there be instances in the future where horses ridden by him are not given every opportunity to begin with the field, he may find himself in breach of a serious Rule of Racing. He was also advised that the Stewards would forward a copy of his disciplinary record to the Licensing Committee towards the conclusion of the current season in respect of the standard of his riding this season. He was further advised that should the Stewards have cause to speak to him regarding the manner in which he rides horses in races during the remainder of the season, a recommendation may be made to the Licensing Committee that he be required to show cause why his jockey’s licence for the current racing season should continue. A veterinary inspection of GLOBAL WIN after the race did not show any significant findings. FORTUNE TOGETHER, SMART KIDS and HAR HAR CHARMS were sent for sampling.