28/06/2008  Shatin  Race 5

TREMENDOUS PLUS was withdrawn on 27.6.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (substantial blood in trachea on scoping after track work) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SHOW BRAVELY (S K Sit). Before being allowed to race again, TREMENDOUS PLUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPER POWER was slow to begin. Making the first turn, PACIFIC ALLIANCE got its head on the side and hung out. After the 400 Metres, LAZY BUDDIES was steadied when awkwardly placed between CHINSOLA and SHOW BRAVELY. In the Straight, CHINSOLA hung in. When questioned regarding the improved performance today of CHALLENGER, Mr A Lee, trainer of the horse, said as he has explained previously the horse is best suited racing close to the rail. He said at its last start when drawn a wide barrier, CHALLENGER did not relax in the run and as a consequence was very disappointing in the manner in which it finished its race off. He said today from an inside draw CHALLENGER led in the early stages until FRAMES DEPOT went forward after entering the Back Straight to cross to the lead. He said throughout today’s race CHALLENGER was more settled than it was at its last start. He said today’s race was more rain affected than the surface when CHALLENGER performed disappointedly and he felt today’s surface was a benefit to the horse. He added CHALLENGER throughout its career in Hong Kong has shown itself to be unreliable and has taken 44 race starts to register a win. Mr Lee was told he had been spoken to on several occasions during the season regarding turnarounds in performances of horses trained by him and this was a concern to the Stewards. He was also told he has a responsibility to ensure horses trained by him perform consistently where possible. CHALLENGER and CHINSOLA were sent for sampling.