06/04/2008  Shatin  Race 3

Y T Cheng (SHANGDONG GENERAL) was fined $2,000 for initially weighing out with two surcingles. This required Jockey Cheng to be re-weighed. MASTER GREEN, which was fractious in its stall, began awkwardly, bounded in the air and lost a considerable amount of ground at the start. Before being allowed to race again, MASTER GREEN will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. LUCKY WINNER began awkwardly and lost ground. After the 800 Metres, SIAMERIC TE SPECSO did not maintain its position when awkwardly placed tight inside GOOD TO GO and close to the heels of WELL NOTED which at this time was steadied to allow INDUSTRIAL MARVEL to cross to the fence. LUCKY WINNER, which was following, was steadied in consequence. After the 600 Metres, SIAMERIC TE SPECSO was steadied away from the heels of GOOD TO GO. On straightening, O Doleuze (PICKETT), which was hanging in, momentarily dropped his left rein. After the 200 Metres, WELL NOTED was momentarily steadied away from the heels of PICKETT. Throughout the race, PICKETT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice K T Yeung (GOLDEN CARE) said he had been instructed to ride the horse in 3rd or 4th position if possible. He said GOLDEN CARE began well, he immediately rode along to obtain a forward position and crossed to race in the lead. Mr A T Millard, trainer of GOLDEN CARE, confirmed the riding instructions issued. He said GOLDEN CARE in the past when racing on turf has shown itself to perform best when ridden quietly in the early stages, particularly if drawn an awkward barrier. He said on the All Weather surface GOLDEN CARE has been successful when travelling in a more forward position. He said the circumstances of today’s race left GOLDEN CARE in the lead, however, he believed the horse would have been better suited if it had been able to obtain a position with cover. Mr Millard was told his explanation would be reported. Apprentice Yeung was severely reprimanded regarding the veracity of the evidence he tendered during this inquiry. D Whyte (GOOD TO GO) explained the intention had been to lead if possible on the horse. He said GOOD TO GO did not show sufficient speed in the early stages for him to carry out his instructions, however, he obtained a nice position approaching the first turn. He said GOOD TO GO did not appear to him to face the kickback when racing behind runners. GOOD TO GO was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of GOOD TO GO after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the poor performance of WELL NOTED, M Nunes said his mount travelled comfortably in the early stages. He said because of the manner in which the race was run WELL NOTED travelled in a position around midfield and inside other runners. He said on straightening WELL NOTED did not quicken the way it has in its previous starts and in his opinion this was as a result of the horse having to improve amongst runners. He said in its recent starts WELL NOTED has been able to obtain clear running in the early stages of the Home Straight. WELL NOTED was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, WELL NOTED was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, WELL NOTED will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SHANGDONG GENERAL and SUPER FIGHTER were sent for sampling.