15/05/2011  Shatin  Race 10

Whilst in the saddling stalls, EASTERN EMPIRE had its right hind plate refitted. EASTERN EMPIRE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. From wide barriers, ANCIENT KINGDOM, BEAUTY SUCCESS and EASTERN EMPIRE were all taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, HEALTHY BLUEBERRY failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. Throughout the race, KICK SERVE travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground and finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of KICK SERVE after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of KICK SERVE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, KICK SERVE 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 regarding the disappointing performance of SUPER BRAND, W C Marwing stated that the horse was leaning against the inside of its gate and began awkwardly. He said he had been asked to ride the horse behind the leaders if possible and for this reason after beginning awkwardly, he rode SUPER BRAND along to take up a position as instructed. He said in the early and middle stages SUPER BRAND was left racing largely without cover albeit that he was able to get partial cover behind GREAT ACHIEVEMENT along the Back Straight. He said making the turn near the 700 Metres SUPER BRAND came under pressure and from this point gave ground quickly. He added the manner in which SUPER BRAND gave ground rounding the Home Turn was of particular concern to him and gave him the impression that the horse may have bled, however, this was not the case immediately following the race. Trainer J Moore advised that whilst SUPER BRAND’s last start may have been flattered by the slow tempo of the race, nonetheless its work leading into today’s race had been good and a forward showing was anticipated. He said immediately after the race he could detect no significant abnormalities with SUPER BRAND and he would monitor the progress of the horse in the days subsequent to the race before deciding on its immediate campaign. A veterinary inspection of SUPER BRAND after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUPER BRAND, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER BRAND will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BEAUTY SUCCESS had lost its left front plate. BEAUTY SUCCESS, FLYING CHINA and JIMSON THE BEST were sent for sampling.