06/05/2012  Shatin  Race 5

BRILLIANT WORLD was withdrawn on 5.5.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (substantial amount of mucopus in trachea on scoping after track work) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter LUCKY TYCOON (M Chadwick). Before being allowed to race again, BRILLIANT WORLD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUNSHINE BOY was slow to begin. HAPPY WISDOM began awkwardly. ENJOY THE FUN was buffeted for some distance after the start when crowded for room between REGAL ARMY and DYNAMIC CROSS, both of which shifted ground. In this incident, REGAL ARMY became unbalanced. After the 1100 Metres, REGAL ARMY proved difficult to settle when being steadied away from the heels of NOTUS. Passing the 1000 Metres, SHAREMA FEELING shifted in away from the heels of HAPPY WISDOM. Approaching the 800 Metres, NOTUS was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 700 Metres, O’HALO was steadied away from the heels of MIGHTY K. Rounding the Home Turn, MIGHTY K shifted out and became unbalanced after making contact with NOTUS. ENJOY THE FUN was unable to obtain clear running for some distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres. Over the final 200 Metres, SUNSHINE BOY was not able to obtain clear running and because of this was not properly tested. After the 200 Metres, HORSESHOE FORTUNE had difficulty obtaining clear running. Close to the finishing line, SUNSHINE BOY was steadied away from the heels of HORSESHOE FORTUNE which shifted in away from the heels of REGAL ARMY when that horse was steadied to avoid the heels of LIFE OF BEAUTY (A Suborics) which shifted in under pressure. A Suborics was severely reprimanded and advised that he has an obligation to stop riding and straighten his mounts in similar circumstances. The performance of HAPPY WISDOM, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY WISDOM 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 improved performance of NOTUS, Trainer A Lee stated that it is becoming apparent to him that NOTUS appreciates not having to race in amongst other runners, particularly when making its finishing run. He said in today’s race and also when successful on 29 January 2012, the horse did not have a runner positioned to its outside and NOTUS responded well when placed under pressure. He said in some of its work NOTUS had been reluctant to stretch out when working inside other horses and, in his opinion, the horse’s best work had been when it had been positioned outside horses. He said for this reason, wherever possible and where circumstances permit, he will attempt to have NOTUS ridden in a similar manner. A veterinary inspection of REGAL ARMY after the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse had lost its right front plate. A veterinary inspection of HORSESHOE FORTUNE after the race did not show any significant findings. NOTUS and MIGHTY K were sent for sampling.