21/05/2011  Shatin  Race 2

SHARP BOY was withdrawn on 19.5.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (wound to left front outside cannon with swelling) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter FIERCE. As previously advised, SHARP BOY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. RAIN OF THUNDER began awkwardly. On jumping, GREEN GLORY and FOREST FOUNTAIN bumped. A short distance later, FOREST FOUNTAIN was steadied when crowded for room between GREEN GLORY and RAIN OF THUNDER, both of which shifted slight ground. From a wide barrier, FIERCE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 1200 Metres, KING GALILEO was left racing wide and without cover. In the Straight, FOREST FOUNTAIN hung in. When questioned regarding the improved performance of ALICE TOO, Trainer K W Lui stated that the improvement in performance was not anticipated by the stable. He said that ALICE TOO had been working well in the lead up to today’s race but that the horse had also worked well prior to racing disappointingly in the past. He said he had not altered the training programme of ALICE TOO in the lead up to today’s race. He added the only explanation he could find for the better performance was that ALICE TOO had dropped significantly in the ratings since its most recent success and that the looser track surface towards the end of the season may have been to the horse’s advantage. When questioned regarding his riding of CHEERFUL DOUBLE in the Straight, D Beadman stated that he placed CHEERFUL DOUBLE under pressure in the early part of the Straight, but, in his opinion, the horse did not feel comfortable in its action. He said he continued to ride CHEERFUL DOUBLE out with the whip until near the 150 Metres, but as the horse’s action did not improve, he did not persevere in riding it out to the end of the race. D Beadman was advised that wherever possible he should continue to ride his mounts out right to the end of the race at least hands and heels. A veterinary inspection of CHEERFUL DOUBLE after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FOREST FOUNTAIN had lost its right front plate and had overreached on the right front leg. GREEN GLORY, ALICE TOO and DANESOUTH were sent for sampling.