25/04/2011  Shatin  Race 8

VICTORY MASCOT was withdrawn on 23.4.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, VICTORY MASCOT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MAJESTIC HEART began awkwardly and then got its head up on a number of occasions after the 1800 Metres. Near the 700 Metres, GLORY OF INDIA was taken in to a three wide position without cover when EAGLE SPIRIT shifted away from the fence from behind HANDSOME BATCHELOR. Rounding the Home Turn, TOM’S EIGHTH and EAGLE SPIRIT bumped as TOM’S EIGHTH shifted out to obtain clear running. When questioned, D Whyte (GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR) stated that when EAGLE SPIRIT shifted away from the fence passing the 800 Metres, he considered improving his position behind that horse and inside GLORY OF INDIA. He added however that he elected to steady GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR and shift to the outside of GLORY OF INDIA approaching the Home Turn rather than remain racing inside that horse and risk being held up inside GLORY OF INDIA and behind EAGLE SPIRIT. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HEAR THE ROAR, D Beadman stated that when parading behind the barriers in front of the grandstand, HEAR THE ROAR became more agitated than it did at its previous start. He said HEAR THE ROAR travelled well until about the 800 Metres at which time MAJESTIC HEART improved its position to his outside. He said after this he attempted to shift out and improve his position with MAJESTIC HEART, however, HEAR THE ROAR did not respond to his urgings and therefore he was obliged to continue racing behind MONTE CRISTO and inside MAJESTIC HEART. He added when placed under pressure in the Straight, HEAR THE ROAR did not respond to his riding and lacked the turn of foot that it had displayed at its most recent start when successful. Mr S Woods, the trainer of HEAR THE ROAR, said that the horse had worked well since its most recent success and had pleased him in the lead up to today’s race. He said although HEAR THE ROAR’s body weight had increased somewhat, its work pattern had not been altered since its last run. He added however that he was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of the horse as a forward showing was expected today. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GLORY OF INDIA, J Lloyd stated that after being taken into a three wide position by EAGLE SPIRIT after the 800 Metres, GLORY OF INDIA got its head on the side and hung in. He said when placed under pressure in the early part of the Straight, GLORY OF INDIA continued to hang in badly and weakened out of the race. A veterinary inspection of HEAR THE ROAR and GLORY OF INDIA after the race did not show any significant findings. GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR, TOM’S EIGHTH and EAGLE SPIRIT were sent for sampling. <25/4/2011 Additional Veterinary Report> The Veterinary Officer advised the Stewards that Mr D J Hall, the trainer of HANDSOME BATCHELOR, reported to him this morning that the horse was lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, HANDSOME BATCHELOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.