27/04/2008  Shatin  Race 5

FAT CHOY FOREVER was withdrawn on 26.4.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter IMPERIAL APPLAUSE (O Doleuze). Before being allowed to race again, FAT CHOY FOREVER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. IMPERIAL APPLAUSE began awkwardly and bumped the outside gate of its stall. FLYING TAMARI began awkwardly. In the early stages, HORACE’S CHOICE proved difficult to settle. Near the 1300 Metres, RICE FIELD was steadied away from the heels of ISLAND SUPER. In the early part of the Straight, SIR GALAHAD had difficulty obtaining clear running. At the 200 Metres, FEARLESS was steadied and shifted in when disappointed for running between SUPER TRAVELLER and FLYING TAMARI. At the 150 Metres, EYSHAL, which was closing the race off, was steadied away from the heels of SIGHT WINNER which shifted out slightly. In the Straight, GREAT GUY hung in. When questioned, D Whyte (SIGHT WINNER) explained his mount did not begin well and he heard a noise which suggested the horse might have overreached. He said because of this shortly after the start he looked down both sides of the horse to ensure it had not pulled its front plates off. He said he then came back, commenced to follow SUPER TRAVELLER across in the hope of obtaining a position with cover and as a result travelled slightly further back than was anticipated, however, near the 1100 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. HORACE’S CHOICE and MELLIFLUOUS were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of HORACE’S CHOICE and MELLIFLUOUS after the race did not show any significant findings. SIGHT WINNER, SUPER TRAVELLER and FEARLESS were sent for sampling.