23/09/2012  Shatin  Race 8

NICHOLSON was withdrawn on 22.9.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore right fore suspensory). Before being allowed to race again, NICHOLSON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SHINY DAY shifted out at the start, resulting in CHAMPAGNE DAYS, which began awkwardly, being taken out and making heavy contact with HAPPY CHA CHA, causing both horses to be hampered. SOLDIER and LOMBARDI began awkwardly. From the outside barrier, PERCY JACKSON was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 900 Metres, OTTIMO was taken to a three wide position and without cover by SHINY DAY which shifted away from the fence. Near the 600 Metres, HAPPY CHA CHA was checked away from the heels of AFRICA LIGHT. Rounding the Home Turn, SOLDIER got its head on the side and lay out. For the majority of the race, ABSOLUTE FANTASY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, B Prebble stated that he had ridden PEPPERMINT in a barrier trial leading up to today’s race which, in his opinion, had been good. He said based on this trial and the work of PEPPERMINT in the lead up to today’s race, the horse was expected to perform well. He said PEPPERMINT travelled very well throughout the early and middle stages and when he shifted the horse to the outside of runners at the entrance to the Straight, he expected it to show a good turn of foot. He added however that PEPPERMINT immediately came under pressure and despite being ridden out did not respond and close off the race as he thought it would. Trainer C Fownes confirmed that PEPPERMINT had been expected to perform well based on its work leading into today’s race and he was not able to explain the horse’s disappointing performance. He said that PEPPERMINT appeared to travel strongly and whilst it had previously taken a number of runs to find fitness, he expected the horse to finish off the race well. A veterinary inspection of PEPPERMINT after the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse had sustained an abrasion to the left eye. The performance of PEPPERMINT, a favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PEPPERMINT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. PEPPERMINT, TAKNAM and GREEN MANNER were sent for sampling.