26/12/2007  Shatin  Race 10

UNITED EFFORTS began awkwardly and lost ground. Approaching the 1000 Metres, FLUKE was bumped and carried wider by ISLAND SUPER which at this time was carried out by SUPER TRAVELLER which shifted away from the rail. Approaching the turn at the 800 Metres, VICTORY STYLE was steadied away from the heels of FIRST AMONG EQUALS. Near the 700 Metres, CARRIZO CREEK, which was awkwardly positioned, was checked when crowded for room between UNITED EFFORTS which shifted out slightly and FLUKE which shifted in slightly. In the circumstances, no action was taken. On straightening, FLUKE was bumped by UNITED EFFORTS which at this time endeavoured to shift to the outside of ISLAND SUPER into clear running. UNITED EFFORTS was steadied when disappointed for this run. In the early part of the Straight, CARRIZO CREEK had difficulty obtaining clear running, near the 300 Metres was steadied when disappointed for running between UNITED EFFORTS and SUPER TRAVELLER. CARRIZO CREEK was then shifted out and again steadied when disappointed for running near the 200 Metres between FLUKE and UNITED EFFORTS. Then at the 150 Metres, CARRIZO CREEK was again steadied and shifted out away from the heels of UNITED EFFORTS. At the 300 Metres, FIRM OFFER was steadied away from the heels of SUPER TRAVELLER. For some distance after this, FIRM OFFER continued to have difficulty obtaining clear running. After the 200 Metres, PHANTOM THIEF (Apprentice K L Chui), which for some distance had been persevering in endeavouring to obtain running to the inside of MERIDIAN PRIDE (G Boss), was checked when that horse shifted in slightly. When PHANTOM THIEF had commenced to improve into running near the 300 Metres where it was entitled to do so, the Stewards did not believe G Boss was in breach of the Rules, however, he was told to exercise greater care. Apprentice Chui was also told in similar circumstances he should not persist in endeavouring to obtain such runs in the manner in which he did on this occasion. Near the 100 Metres, SUPER TRAVELLER was steadied away from the heels of ISLAND SUPER. Prior to the winning post, SUPER TRAVELLER was again steadied when awkwardly placed between UNITED EFFORTS and ISLAND SUPER. For the majority of the Home Straight, WEI HAI INVINCIBLE had difficulty obtaining clear running and because of this was not tested. For the major part of the race, AMPLE GAINS travelled wide and without cover. D Beadman (CARRIZO CREEK) explained after making the turn at the 800 Metres he endeavoured to maintain a position on the back of SUPER TRAVELLER, however, his mount was not able to do so and as such UNITED EFFORTS was able to shift away from the rail. S Dye (JACKPOT DELIGHT) explained from a wide barrier he had been instructed to ride his mount in a rearward position similar to the manner in which it raced at its first start in Hong Kong. He said shortly after the start he steadied JACKPOT DELIGHT in the hope of being able to shift across behind runners to a position with cover as the horse is known to him to have a tendency to hang in its races prior to arriving in Hong Kong. He said as he endeavoured to shift across behind runners, VICTORY STYLE which was racing to his inside continued to race away from the fence. He said as JACKPOT DELIGHT was pulling, it was not possible for him to restrain his mount to take it across behind VICTORY STYLE and as a consequence he was left racing wide and without cover approaching the turn at the 800 Metres. He said making this turn JACKPOT DELIGHT hung out badly and shifted wider on the track. He said JACKPOT DELIGHT continued to hang out until after entering the Home Straight and as a consequence was not able to be ridden to maintain a position. After viewing the official videos of the race, Mr C Fownes, trainer of JACKPOT DELIGHT, said he will now consider changing the gear in which JACKPOT DELIGHT races with the intention of improving the horse’s racing manners. JACKPOT DELIGHT was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of JACKPOT DELIGHT after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of JACKPOT DELIGHT was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, JACKPOT DELIGHT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MARIBEAU was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MARIBEAU after the race did not show any significant findings. FIRM OFFER and ISLAND SUPER were sent for sampling. After the race, it was reported UNITED EFFORTS had lost its left hind plate and had sustained a cut to the outside of its left hind pastern. Also after the race, an endoscopic examination was carried out on FLUKE at the request of Trainer A S Cruz. The Veterinary Officer said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, FLUKE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.