08/06/2008  Shatin  Race 6

After arriving at the Start, it was noted SUNNY SMILES had shifted its left front plate. This plate was reset. SUNNY SMILES was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. On jumping, OPERA MAGIC blundered. MEDALLION and SUNNY SMILES were slow to begin. Near the 1200 Metres, SEVENS HEAVEN was steadied away from the heels of ANIMATION (D Beadman) which after being ridden along to go forward was steadied and shifted in when not quite clear. D Beadman was told to exercise greater care. After the 600 Metres, MEDALLION was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of SEVENS HEAVEN. After the 400 Metres, LITTLE BIG BOY was steadied away from the heels of SUNNY SMILES. At the 300 Metres, BULB TREASURE was bumped by LUCKY DRAGON which in turn was bumped by KING FAY FAY which got its head on the side and shifted out. After this, KING FAY FAY continued to race ungenerously for the remainder of the race. For the major part of the race, SHINING DRAGON hung out. Throughout the race, BULB TREASURE travelled wide and without cover. The performance of ALIVE AND KICKING, which tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ALIVE AND KICKING will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the poor performance of the last start winner, LUCKY DRAGON, Trainer A Lee said after travelling in a forward position without cover, LUCKY DRAGON was disappointing in the manner in which it closed the race off. He said in his opinion the horse’s poor performance was due to today’s rain affected going as in the past LUCKY DRAGON had shown itself to be best suited when racing on firmer tracks. LUCKY DRAGON was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY DRAGON after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, Apprentice K T Yeung (SEVENS HEAVEN) said he had been instructed to ride the horse in a forward position with cover if possible. He said SEVENS HEAVEN began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped with ANIMATION. He said as a result of him correcting his mount he was not able to go forward in the early stages. He said approaching the 1200 Metres when he was endeavouring to improve his position, he had to steady to avoid the heels of ANIMATION which shifted in when not quite clear. He said after this he took SEVENS HEAVEN back to a position behind KING FAY FAY to ensure he had cover and as a consequence SEVENS HEAVEN travelled in midfield. He said at the 700 Metres he steadied SEVENS HEAVEN when awkwardly placed between SUNNY SMILES and KING FAY FAY. He said after this he followed KING FAY FAY around the Home Turn as that horse appeared to be travelling well. He said in the Home Straight despite having some difficulty obtaining clear running SEVENS HEAVEN was disappointing in the manner in which it closed the race off. SEVENS HEAVEN was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of SEVENS HEAVEN after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the poor performance of ISLAND SUNRISE, Apprentice K L Chui said at no stage of the race did his mount stride out as he thought it should. ISLAND SUNRISE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ISLAND SUNRISE after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of ISLAND SUNRISE, which tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ISLAND SUNRISE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUNNY SMILES and ANIMATION were sent for sampling.