06/01/2008  Shatin  Race 6

VICTORY TREASURE was withdrawn on 3.1.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fever). Before being allowed to race again, VICTORY TREASURE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FORTUNE WARRIOR was slow to begin. INDUSTRIAL EXPRESS began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped SOUNDS FANTASTIC. Approaching the 1100 Metres, INDUSTRIAL EXPRESS, which was proving difficult to settle, was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of RIGHT FRAAR which itself was steadied away from the heels of SOUNDS FANTASTIC which was endeavouring to obtain a position with cover. After this, INDUSTRIAL EXPRESS was allowed to stride forward in a three wide position without cover. On straightening, WONG’S SUCCESS, which was endeavouring to obtain clear running, bumped with INDUSTRIAL EXPRESS. After the 400 Metres, SOUNDS FANTASTIC was bumped and carried wider by ANKH MORPORK which shifted out to obtain clear running. After the 200 Metres, WONG’S SUCCESS was steadied when having difficulty obtaining clear running between FLORAL NIRVANA and LUCKY MONEY. At the 100 Metres, DASHING THUNDER was momentarily awkwardly placed between LUCKY MONEY and BEING FAMOUS. Over the concluding stages, ANKH MORPORK hung in and proved difficult to ride. D Beadman (COURAGEOUSHEART) was reminded of his responsibility to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the winning post where possible. When questioned regarding the improved performance of BEING FAMOUS, Mr A Lee, trainer of the horse, said its form this season had been quite consistent with the exception of its most recent run which was on the All Weather surface. He said on that occasion the race was not run to suit BEING FAMOUS and as a consequence the horse performed poorly. He said at this stage of its career BEING FAMOUS appears better suited to racing on the turf. He added today after being ridden along to obtain the lead, BEING FAMOUS was suited by being able to dictate the pace from the front. A Delpech (SIR LAGO) explained near the 700 Metres his mount became unbalanced and he felt it had gone amiss behind. He said because of this for a short distance he eased his mount, however, when it regained its balance, he allowed it to continue on in the race. He said after entering the Home Straight he continued to ride SIR LAGO hands and heels, the horse responded only fairly and shortly after the 400 Metres again became unbalanced in its action this time in front. He said because of this he felt something might be amiss with SIR LAGO and therefore eased his mount out of the race. Mr D E Ferraris, trainer of SIR LAGO, after viewing the video accepted SIR LAGO had become unbalanced. He did say however the horse had not previously raced like this. SIR LAGO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SIR LAGO after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, SIR LAGO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. INDUSTRIAL EXPRESS was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. FORTUNE WARRIOR was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of INDUSTRIAL EXPRESS and FORTUNE WARRIOR after the race did not show any significant findings. BEING FAMOUS and DASHING THUNDER were sent for sampling. After the race, it was reported NASA PEARL had lost its left front plate.