29/05/2011  Shatin  Race 9

After being loaded, TOM’S EIGHTH put its head down on a number of occasions and then as the start was effected again got its head down and consequently was very slow to begin. Before being allowed to race again, TOM’S EIGHTH will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. VICTORY MASCOT was slow to begin and then throughout the race travelled wide and without cover. From wide barriers, GOLDMEN Y Y and FINEZZA were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the first turn near the 850 Metres, TOM’S EIGHTH was checked away from the heels of GLORY OF INDIA which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SLEEP WELL. When being checked, TOM’S EIGHTH shifted out abruptly towards the heels of SUMMER DASH and in doing so took MAJESTIC HEART out across the heels of VICTORY MASCOT, causing that horse to be checked. FINEZZA, which was following, was checked in consequence and GOLDMEN Y Y was taken wider. Near the 600 Metres, MAJESTIC HEART was steadied when crowded for room between TOM’S EIGHTH and GOLDMEN Y Y, both of which shifted slight ground. Near the 150 Metres, SLEEP WELL was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of GLORY OF INDIA. Close to the finishing line, SADDLERS LODGE and SLEEP WELL were steadied when crowded for room between SUMMER DASH which shifted in and ANTIPASTO which was taken out by HELENE WITTY. Because of this, SADDLERS LODGE and SLEEP WELL were not able to be ridden out right to the end of the race. In the Straight, GOLDMEN Y Y got its head on the side and lay out. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of J Lloyd (GLORY OF INDIA), 7th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding the performance of FINEZZA, Z Purton stated that from barrier 12 he had been instructed to take his mount across behind runners shortly after the start and obtain a position closer to the fence. He said in accordance with his instructions he shifted FINEZZA onto the rail and followed TOM’S EIGHTH throughout the race. He said that in the Straight FINEZZA finished off the race only fairly in what eventuated to be a race dominated by horses racing closer to the pace. A veterinary inspection of FINEZZA after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GOLDMEN Y Y after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. FINEZZA, HELENE WITTY and SUMMER DASH were sent for sampling. <30/5/2011 Additional Veterinary Report>GOLDMEN Y Y, which performed poorly, was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison. He said at that time an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. GOLDMEN Y Y was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer Y O Wong this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be stiff and sore in both hind legs. Before being allowed to race again, GOLDMEN Y Y will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.