09/04/2012  Shatin  Race 3

GORGEOUS RULER was hampered at the start when SPARKLING was taken out by BOLD TACK. At the 1400 Metres, BEAUTIFUL SCENERY was steadied when momentarily crowded for room inside EPATANT (O Doleuze) which was then shifted out to relieve the tightening to BEAUTIFUL SCENERY. MASTER RACER, which was positioned to the inside of BEAUTIFUL SCENERY, was crowded for room in consequence. O Doleuze was advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear of other runners when shifting ground in future. In the Straight, SPARKLING hung in under pressure and proved very difficult to ride. W M Lai (MASTER DREAMER) was fined a sum of $2,000 for raising his whip arm above shoulder height. When questioned, H W Lai stated that he had been instructed to lead on BOLD TACK and not to allow another runner to cross the horse as it had been explained to him that the connections had previously been told by the jockeys of BOLD TACK that it had not performed well after being crossed by other runners. He said because of this after the 1200 Metres he allowed BOLD TACK to maintain its position inside MEDIC CHAMPION which was being ridden into a forward position to his outside. He said this resulted in BOLD TACK travelling at a quicker tempo during this stage of the race than he would have liked. Mr K W Lui, the trainer of BOLD TACK, confirmed the instructions given to Jockey Lai for today’s race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DANESOUTH, K C Leung stated that stepping back in distance to 1600 Metres today, DANESOUTH was always off the bridle in a race that was run at a faster tempo than the horse’s most recent start when successful. He said because of the manner in which DANESOUTH was travelling, he was not able to position the horse to shift LUCKY MONEY STAR to the fence after the 900 Metres and this resulted in DANESOUTH travelling three wide and without cover. He said the horse came under pressure passing the 700 Metres and did not respond to his riding at any stage. He added that in the Straight DANESOUTH gave ground noticeably. He said that after the race DANESOUTH appeared to return to the unsaddling area sound. A veterinary inspection of DANESOUTH after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of DANESOUTH, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DANESOUTH 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, an endoscopic examination was conducted on ZEPHYRUS at the request of Trainer A T Millard. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, ZEPHYRUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CHEERFUL DOUBLE and MEDIC CHAMPION were sent for sampling.