20/04/2011  Happy Valley  Race 7

RAINBOW SEEKER was difficult to load. Before being allowed to race again, RAINBOW SEEKER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. CENTURY SUPER STAR, which was being steadied to shift across behind runners, was crowded for room shortly after the start between OCEAN WIDE which shifted out and TEAM WORK which shifted in after making contact with FLORA DANICA. When being steadied to shift across behind runners shortly after the start, FLORAL DANICA got its head up on a number of occasions. Making the first turn after the 1100 Metres, BONDI LAD, which was reluctant to maintain its position, lost ground when crowded for room between GROOVY and SEA PRINCE which got its head on the side and shifted out. TEAM WORK, which was following BONDI LAD, was checked in consequence. At the entrance to the Back Straight, FLORA DANICA, which was proving difficult to settle, got its head up when awkwardly placed outside the heels of GROOVY which shifted out slightly. After this, FLORA DANICA continued to prove difficult to settle. Passing the 900 Metres, CENTURY SUPER STAR was momentarily crowded for room inside SEA PRINCE which itself was racing tight inside GROOVY. After the 500 Metres, FLORA DANICA was taken wider by GROOVY which shifted out to improve around NEW GLORY. For some distance passing the 200 Metres, MASTER RIO raced tight inside OCEAN WIDE which got its head on the side and lay in. Throughout the race, NEW GLORY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SEA PRINCE, Apprentice K C Leung stated that he had been instructed to obtain a forward position on the horse and lead if possible. He said SEA PRINCE began only fairly and despite being ridden along in the early stages failed to muster speed. He said approaching and passing the 800 Metres SEA PRINCE was ridden along to maintain its position inside GROOVY. He said SEA PRINCE came under pressure after the 600 Metres and despite being ridden along vigorously did not respond to his riding and was most disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of SEA PRINCE after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SEA PRINCE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SEA PRINCE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Stewards will afford Mr D J Hall, the trainer of NEW GLORY, the opportunity to explain the horse’s improved performance prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting on Monday, 25 April 2011. NEW GLORY and GROOVY were sent for sampling. <21/4/2011 Additional Veterinary Report>SEA PRINCE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation and International Liaison. He said at that time there were no significant findings. The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that SEA PRINCE had shown elevated muscle enzymes on the morning after racing. As previously advised, SEA PRINCE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.