25/05/2008  Shatin  Race 7

After being boxed, CLEAN SWEEP became fractious and reared, causing W M Lai, its rider, to be dislodged. CLEAN SWEEP was removed from its stall and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. CLEAN SWEEP began awkwardly. W M Lai explained shortly after the start he shifted his body weight to the left in an endeavour to correct his saddle which had shifted slightly as a result of the horse’s conduct in the barrier. In the early stages, MAVERICK STAR was ridden along to go forward and then when travelling wide and without cover making the first turn was allowed to drift back to a position in midfield with cover. In the early and middle stages, WHATABOB proved difficult to settle. On straightening, EXCELLENT BOY was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of YOUNG HERO in an endeavour to find clear running. For some distance after this, EXCELLENT BOY continued to have difficulty obtaining clear running. For a considerable distance after straightening, SOUNDS BEST had difficulty obtaining clear running. After the 200 Metres, CLEAN SWEEP, which was closing the race off strongly, was steadied when crowded for room between ROYAL PERICLES which was giving ground and EXCELLENT BOY. Near the 100 Metres, TOP HONOR was steadied when momentarily crowded for room between YOUNG HERO and WATCH WHAT HAPPENS which shifted in while hanging. In the Straight, KIMBO KID hung out. When questioned regarding the improved performance of SYLLABUS, Trainer D E Ferraris explained the horse has not raced on the All Weather surface since joining his stable. He said SYLLABUS works well and has performed strongly in barrier trials on the All Weather surface. He said on the strength of this he advised the connections of SYLLABUS that he believed the horse would perform well in today’s race. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SUMMERVILLE POWER, B Prebble said he was obliged to travel wide and without cover throughout. He said as a consequence SUMMERVILLE POWER failed to finish the race off. SUMMERVILLE POWER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SUMMERVILLE POWER after the race did not show any significant findings. WATCH WHAT HAPPENS, SYLLABUS and SOUNDS BEST were sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 26 May 2008) SUMMERVILLE POWER, which performed poorly, was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison. He said at that time there were no significant findings. SUMMERVILLE POWER was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer K W Lui this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SUMMERVILLE POWER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.