20/01/2008  Shatin  Race 2

EXCELLENT BOY was withdrawn on 18.1.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, EXCELLENT BOY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On jumping, SUNNY KING knuckled. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, SUNNY KING, which had been proving difficult to settle, was bumped and carried wider by FELLOWSHIP which at this time shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of FULL OF JOY while itself proving difficult to settle. Passing the 700 Metres, FELLOWSHIP was awkwardly placed inside the heels of SUNNY KING. When questioned, Apprentice K L Chui (BULLISH CASH) said from the outside barrier he had been instructed to have the horse in a midfield position if possible with cover and should he not be able to obtain cover, he could ride the horse further back. He said BULLISH CASH began well, he immediately took hold of his mount in an endeavour to obtain a position as instructed, however, a number of runners on his inside went forward in a line, he therefore decided to come back across behind the field to a position on the rail. He said as he was shifting across towards the rail, BULLISH CASH dropped the bit and was reluctant to stride out. He said approaching the 1400 Metres he rode along in an endeavour to stay in touch, however, BULLISH CASH did not respond to his riding and raced several lengths behind AGILITY. He said he continued to ride along for some distance, however, when BULLISH CASH did not make ground, he stopped riding to allow his mount to become balanced. He said as he did this BULLISH CASH gradually made ground to join onto the tail of the field approaching the turn at the 800 Metres. He said in the early part of the Straight he shifted BULLISH CASH to the outside, rode along hands and heels and commenced to use the whip after the 300 Metres. He said BULLISH CASH then closed the race off strongly. Apprentice Chui was told his explanation would be reported. The Stewards opened an inquiry into the riding of G Boss of FELLOWSHIP in the Home Straight. Evidence was taken from Jockey Boss and Mr P O’Sullivan, trainer of the horse. To enable the Stewards to consider this matter, the inquiry was adjourned to a date to be fixed. TIBER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of TIBER after the race did not show any significant findings. SUNNY KING, FULL OF JOY and BULLISH CASH were sent for sampling.