27/02/2013  Happy Valley  Race 7

Trainer C W Chang was fined a sum of $10,000 for breaching Trainers’ Handbook Regulations in that he entered NEW GLORY for an official barrier trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday, 26 February 2013 when that horse was a Standby Declared Starter for this race. FINEZZA began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, FORGIVE AND FORGET was steadied when crowded for room between EURO SWIFTLY and CHEER which was taken out by SPIRIT SOARING which in turn was taken out by REGENCY KING which was directed out by DRAGON FIGHTER. From wide barriers, NOBLE DELUXE, GOLDEN WIDE and PEPPERMINT were all taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, NOBLE DELUXE was checked away from the heels of FORGIVE AND FORGET which shifted in slightly after racing tight inside CHEER which itself raced tight inside EURO SWIFTLY. Approaching the 200 Metres, ENDOWING was awkwardly placed outside the heels of REGENCY KING. When questioned regarding the performance of CHEER, D Whyte stated that his mount travelled only satisfactorily in the run. He said CHEER came under pressure to hold its position prior to the 600 Metres and was ridden along shortly after this stage of the race to improve its position. He said CHEER did not quicken as it had when he had ridden the horse previously and stayed on only one-paced over the concluding stages. He added, in his opinion, CHEER was disappointing in tonight’s race. A veterinary inspection of CHEER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that DRAGON FIGHTER had lost its right front plate. A veterinary inspection of PEPPERMINT immediately following the race noted the horse to have blood at the right nostril. An endoscopic examination was conducted on PEPPERMINT by the Veterinary Officer who reported the horse not to have bled. CHEER, SPIRIT SOARING and REGENCY KING were sent for sampling. <28/2/2013 Additional Veterinary Report> The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that FINEZZA was lame in its right front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, FINEZZA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.