22/06/2008  Shatin  Race 6

OLYMPICSHIP bounded in the air at the start and lost ground. GALACTIC TACTIC was slow to begin. NATURAL FATCHOY began awkwardly, bumped the inside gate of its stall and then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed. In the early stages, from a wide barrier, SUPER BOBO was taken back. On straightening, BITE MY DUST was bumped by BRILLIANT FLASH. Near the 300 Metres, PACHINKO and NATURAL FATCHOY were checked when crowded for room between NEW CHAPTER which shifted in while hanging and BRILLIANT TREASURE which after improving into a narrow run on the outside of MULTO EXPRESSO was then carried wider by that horse. In the circumstances, no action was taken. At the 300 Metres, GO BRITANNIA got its head on the side and hung out. In the Straight, NEW CHAPTER hung in. When questioned, Mr P O’Sullivan, trainer of NEW CHAPTER, said at the horse’s most recent start when drawn the outside barrier he had instructed the rider to go forward in the early stages as in his opinion the tempo of that race would only be moderate and he believed NEW CHAPTER would be able to avoid being caught wide if ridden in a forward position. He said today NEW CHAPTER again drew the outside barrier and on this occasion he instructed the rider to ride the horse in a rearward position. He said he believed in today’s field if ridden to go forward NEW CHAPTER would most probably be left racing wide and without cover. He said before arriving in Hong Kong NEW CHAPTER’s best form was when the horse was ridden back in the field. He added today’s track appeared to be suiting horses which were ridden back in the field. PACHINKO, CONQUEROR and MULTO EXPRESSO were sent for sampling. After the race, it was reported NEW CHAPTER had lost its left front plate. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 23 June 2008) The Veterinary Officer reported that GO BRITANNIA was this morning found to be lame in the left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, GO BRITANNIA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.