06/04/2008  Shatin  Race 4

CHIMERA was withdrawn on 5.4.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter TRIUMPH (M Du Plessis). Before being allowed to race again, CHIMERA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Y T Cheng (SOUND OF SILENCE) was fined $2,000 for presenting himself in the Parade Ring with the incorrect cap. On jumping, NIGHT HUNTER III was taken across behind runners from its wide draw. Also on jumping, DECENT FELLOW stumbled. CHATER DE LAGO began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, LE ROSSIGNOL, which was hanging out, was checked away from the heels of DRAGON STRIDE which shifted in. No action was taken. In the early part of the Straight, NIGHT HUNTER III had difficulty obtaining clear running. Near the 400 Metres, LE ROSSIGNOL was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of KIWI DASH. Over the concluding stages, LE ROSSIGNOL got its head up and hung out and close to the line was awkwardly placed near the heels of TRIUMPH. Because of this, LE ROSSIGNOL was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. Y T Cheng said the intention had been to have the horse ridden in a forward position from a wide gate. He said in the early stages he rode along in accordance with his instructions, however, SOUND OF SILENCE did not show sufficient speed to cross runners to its inside and as a consequence travelled wide and without cover further back than was intended. E Saint-Martin (LUCKY TYCOON) explained in the early stages he was hoping to obtain a position with cover, however, was not able to do so. He said as LUCKY TYCOON was travelling keenly, after entering the Back Straight he allowed his mount to stride forward in an endeavour to obtain a position closer to the rail, however, TRIUMPH held a position one off the fence and as a consequence he was obliged to continually travel wide and without cover. He said making the turn after the 700 Metres LUCKY TYCOON got its head on the side, hung out, shifted wider on the track and immediately commenced to give ground. He said for a short distance on straightening he rode LUCKY TYCOON along, however, the horse did not respond. He said because of the manner in which LUCKY TYCOON had given ground, he was concerned something might be amiss with the horse and therefore did not ride it out to the end of the race. When questioned, Mr A Schutz, trainer of LUCKY TYCOON, said the horse had been well leading into today’s race and he was not able to account for the horse’s performance. He said despite an awkward barrier it was anticipated LUCKY TYCOON would be competitive in today’s race. LUCKY TYCOON was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY TYCOON after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of LUCKY TYCOON was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY TYCOON will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. D Whyte (WIN MORE) said on jumping his mount stumbled, he then rode along in an endeavour to obtain a forward position, however, WIN MORE did not respond to his riding. He said at no stage of the race did WIN MORE travel and came under heavy pressure making the turn at the 600 Metres. He said he was not able to offer any explanation for the poor performance of WIN MORE. WIN MORE and DRAGON STRIDE were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of WIN MORE and DRAGON STRIDE after the race did not show any significant findings. TERRIFIC BRETHREN and JUGGERNAUT were sent for sampling.