26/10/2014  Shatin  Race 6

STRATHMORE, which was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin. LUCKY FOLLOW ME was also slow to begin. HIGH AND MIGHTY began only fairly and was crowded for room shortly after the start by GREAT CHARM which shifted in. From the outside barrier, GOLDEN DEER was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. LUCKY FOLLOW ME lost its right front plate approaching the 800 Metres. Throughout the race, MULTIEXPRESS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of GREAT CHARM, particularly rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, O Doleuze stated that he had been instructed to ride GREAT CHARM quietly with cover in the early stages as the horse was coming back in distance to 1200 Metres and particularly due to it over-racing at its most recent start when left without cover. He said it was hoped that the anticipated faster tempo of today’s race would allow GREAT CHARM the opportunity to finish off the race with more purpose. He said in accordance with his instructions he shifted GREAT CHARM across behind runners in the early stages and the horse travelled comfortably in the early and middle stages. He said passing the 600 Metres he was positioned behind STRATHMORE and HIGH AND MIGHTY and it was his intention to shift to the outside as GREAT CHARM had previously finished off its races well when being able to be positioned outside horses. He said although a run presented itself rounding the Home Turn between HIGH AND MIGHTY and STRATHMORE which was shifting out, he was reluctant to improve into this position due to his intention to get GREAT CHARM to the outside of runners. He said in any case the run between HIGH AND MIGHTY and STRATHMORE closed at about the 400 Metres when both those horses shifted ground. He added shortly after the 400 Metres he directed GREAT CHARM to the outside of HIGH AND MIGHTY and considered taking a run between that horse and GOLDEN DEER, however, he was aware that HARD BALL GET was racing in advance of these horses and as that horse did not appear to be closing off the race strongly, he was reluctant to allow GREAT CHARM to improve between HIGH AND MIGHTY and GOLDEN DEER, therefore he elected to continue to shift to the outside of GOLDEN DEER which he was able to do at the 300 Metres. He said he was then able to place GREAT CHARM under pressure, however, approaching the 200 Metres he had to shift GREAT CHARM out further to avoid the heels of GOLDEN DEER which shifted out under pressure. He added after the 200 Metres once he shifted to the outside of GOLDEN DEER, he was able to again place GREAT CHARM under full pressure and the horse finished off the race well. Mr R Gibson, the trainer of GREAT CHARM, advised that his sole instruction had been to have GREAT CHARM relaxed during the run due to the manner in which it over-raced at its most recent start. He said he asked Jockey Doleuze to ensure that GREAT CHARM obtained corer and be given the opportunity to finish off the race strongly. O Doleuze was advised that the Stewards would note his evidence, however, he must at all times ensure that he takes advantages of opportunities to improve his position when they become available. A veterinary inspection of GREAT CHARM, immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of STRATHMORE and JOYFUL THE GREAT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LANG TAI SING and HIGH AND MIGHTY were sent for sampling. <27/10/2014 Additional Veterinary Report>After the race, GREAT CHARM was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. GREAT CHARM was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer R Gibson this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, GREAT CHARM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. STRATHMORE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. STRATHMORE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A T Millard this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, STRATHMORE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.