05/10/2008  Shatin  Race 2

JUGGERNAUT was withdrawn on 3.10.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, JUGGERNAUT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Whilst in the saddling stalls, AMSTERDAM had its right front plate refitted. AMSTERDAM was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. SIR LAGO was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, NIGHT HUNTER III was taken across behind runners in the early stages. AMSTERDAM began awkwardly and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of AMAZING CHOICE. Making the first turn, SIR LAGO raced tight inside AMSTERDAM. For some distance passing the 1200 Metres, WADADELIGHT proved difficult to settle and passing the 1100 Metres struck the heels of SOLAR POWER which was being steadied and blundered. In the opinion of the Stewards, the incident was accidental and no further action was taken. Over the final 100 Metres, SOLAR POWER was inconvenienced by AMAZING CHOICE which shifted in under pressure. ONE TOUCH hung in under pressure in the Straight. For the major part of the race, GOLDEN BALL raced wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned, Apprentice K C Leung said he was instructed to be positive on the horse today and ride it in a forward position with cover. He said it was anticipated that the horse would be able to race behind the leaders. He said after riding his mount along in the early stages to go forward as instructed, he was obliged to race outside of the leaders in a three wide position and due to the circumstances of the race he was unable to restrain SOLAR POWER and obtain cover as hoped. He added consequently SOLAR POWER was obliged to race three wide outside the leaders throughout the race. Trainer P F Yiu confirmed the instructions given to Apprentice Leung and said it had been decided to ride the horse which was racing down in grade today in a more forward position than is usual to take advantage of Apprentice Leung’s 10 lb allowance. GOLDEN BALL was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN BALL after the race did not show any significant findings. ONE TOUCH and AMAZING CHOICE were sent for sampling.