26/12/2007  Shatin  Race 7

CENTENNIAL SMILE was slow to begin. On jumping, RED WINE HONEY stumbled. Making the Home Turn, DECENT FELLOW hung out. Passing the 400 Metres, CENTENNIAL SMILE was momentarily held up while obtaining clear running. When questioned regarding the improved performance of CLASSIC KING, Mr T K Ng, trainer of the horse, said the horse’s form prior to its last start had in his opinion been very consistent. He said on that occasion CLASSIC KING had performed poorly after being obliged to race wide and without cover from a wide barrier. He said today CLASSIC KING was suited by the step up in distance to 1800 Metres and also the longer straight of the Sha Tin race track which enables the horse to be ridden more quietly. When questioned, G Mossé (ROCKET AND GOLD) explained today was the first occasion on which he had ridden the horse. He said during the horse’s preliminary it appeared upset and sweated up noticeably. He said the intention was to ride ROCKET AND GOLD in a midfield position with cover if possible. He said after beginning fairly, ROCKET AND GOLD obtained a midfield position, however, was obliged to race three wide and without cover. He did say when travelling in this position, ROCKET AND GOLD was relaxed, however, when the tempo of the race quickened at the 600 Metres it failed to respond to his riding and was most disappointing in the manner in which it finished its race off. Mr C H Yip, trainer of ROCKET AND GOLD, was not able to offer an explanation for the poor performance of the horse other than it had travelled three wide and without cover throughout the race. He said the work of ROCKET AND GOLD, a last start winner, leading into today’s race had in his opinion been very good and on the strength of this the horse was strongly fancied in today’s race. ROCKET AND GOLD was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of ROCKET AND GOLD after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of ROCKET AND GOLD in the circumstances was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ROCKET AND GOLD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HAPPY ALL AROUND was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY ALL AROUND after the race did not show any significant findings. CLASSIC KING and BARRACUDA were sent for sampling.