15/09/2008  Shatin  Race 6

When the horses were marshalled in the sand yard prior to proceeding to the saddling stalls, DIDI became fractious and on two occasions broke free of its handler. DIDI was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. DIDI, which was fractious in its barriers, bounded in the air at the start. VICTORY MASCOT and BIG PROFIT began awkwardly. SUPER FAMILY bounded in the air at the start and lost ground. With the intention of being ridden quietly from the outside barrier, STAREILLY was taken back in the early stages. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, SUPER FAMILY was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of STAREILLY. Near the 500 Metres, SUPER FAMILY became unbalanced. Throughout the race, LIONS’ FORTUNE travelled wide and without cover. The performance of SUPER FAMILY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER FAMILY 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 SPICY FRUITY, B Prebble said he had ridden the horse which is well-known to him in track work in preparation for today’s race and in his opinion this work had been good. He said SPICY FRUITY appeared normal in its action during the preliminary prior to today’s race. He said SPICY FRUITY began only fairly and at no stage of the race stretched out as he thought it should. He said he was concerned with the action of SPICY FRUITY in the early stages of the race and considered easing his mount out of the race, however, elected not to do so. He said SPICY FRUITY did not respond when placed under pressure prior to the 600 Metres and then in the early part of the Straight SPICY FRUITY continued to give him no response and because of this he looked down at the horse’s legs on several occasions. Mr C H Yip, trainer of SPICY FRUITY, said the horse was strongly fancied by the stable in today’s race on the strength of its recent good track work. He was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of the horse. SPICY FRUITY was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of SPICY FRUITY after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, SPICY FRUITY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LIONS’ FORTUNE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of LIONS’ FORTUNE after the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY QUALITY and SPLENDID SAILS were sent for sampling.