09/06/2012  Shatin  Race 6

LIBERTY VALANCE was crowded for room at the start between LET’S GOAL and PERCY JACKSON which began awkwardly. In the early stages, when being steadied and shifted across behind runners, REAL GENEROUS proved difficult to settle. Approaching the 1400 Metres, PERCY JACKSON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING CHAPARRAL. Then a short distance after this, FLYING CHAPARRAL shifted out when being checked away from the heels of SUNSHINE DAY. Approaching the 900 Metres, when LET’S GOAL shifted across into a one-off position, FLYING CHAPARRAL was left racing wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, REAL GENEROUS was awkwardly placed between SUPER CITY and SOUNDS EXCELLENT which shifted out. After this, REAL GENEROUS was shifted to the inside of the heels of SOUNDS EXCELLENT. At the 400 Metres, PERCY JACKSON and LIBERTY VALANCE bumped. Over the concluding stages, REAL GENEROUS was crowded for room when attempting running between PERCY JACKSON and LIBERTY VALANCE, both of which shifted marginally. Because of this, REAL GENEROUS was not able to be tested. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he had been instructed to position SUNSHINE DAY in midfield if possible. He said after beginning well, he attempted to obtain a position as instructed, however due to the slow early tempo, the field was compact at that time. He said because of this he was not able to obtain a position in midfield, therefore he allowed his mount to stride forward to obtain a position closer to the rail He said he did not have to ride SUNSHINE DAY along to do this. He said approaching the 900 Metres he was racing three wide outside LET’S GOAL, however, rather than remain racing in this position, he allowed his mount to shift in to race outside the lead. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DRAGON VICTORY, M L Yeung stated that, from barrier 2, the horse, despite being ridden along, was not able to obtain the lead as it did at its last start when successful. He said DRAGON VICTORY gave him the impression in the early stages of being reluctant to race amongst runners and for this reason he rode the horse vigorously in an attempt to have it race clear of other runners in the early stages. He said however that despite his riding along, including the use of the whip, DRAGON VICTORY was reluctant to stretch out and because of this was not able to obtain a forward position as intended. He said he had to continually ride DRAGON VICTORY along throughout the race which reinforced his opinion that the horse did not appreciate racing amongst horses today. He noted that at its only other start when it was successful, the horse had to be vigorously ridden along in the early stages and in the middle stages raced wide and without cover. He also noted that DRAGON VICTORY was up in grade today. A veterinary inspection of DRAGON VICTORY after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of DRAGON VICTORY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DRAGON VICTORY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of PEPPERMINT after the race did not show any significant findings. REAL GENEROUS, MEDALLIST and PERCY JACKSON were sent for sampling.