19/10/2008  Happy Valley  Race 2

After arriving at the Start, an adjustment was made to the tongue tie fitted to PRIMIATA. On jumping, GRAND GENERAL and SINOSPIEL were taken back. Throughout the race, FREEBIRD hung out, near the 1200 Metres shifted wider and was checked away from the heels of KING OF FISH. Near the 400 Metres, SPARKLE was steadied away from the heels of G-ONE LEADING which was steadied away from the heels of FRAMES DEPOT. In the Straight, GRAND GENERAL hung in, shortly after straightening got its head on the side, shifted ground and was steadied away from the heels of G-ONE LEADING. Y T Cheng (PRIMIATA) explained he had been instructed to lead as the blinkers had been reapplied to the horse. He said when racing previously in blinkers and having led, PRIMIATA performed well. He said after being boxed PRIMIATA became fractious and was slow to begin. He said he then rode along to go forward in accordance with his instructions, near the winning post on the first occasion shifted out away from the heels of SPARKLE and allowed PRIMIATA to continue its forward move. He said in his opinion he did not make excessive use of PRIMIATA to obtain the lead. He said today when challenged by KING OF FISH near the 600 Metres, PRIMIATA was reluctant to stride out. He said in recent times PRIMIATA has performed similarly when racing amongst other runners. He said after straightening PRIMIATA gave ground quickly. Y T Cheng was told whilst the Stewards would report his explanation, he should maintain an open mind to altering riding instructions to suit the circumstances of a race. PRIMIATA was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of PRIMIATA after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of PRIMIATA, which finished distanced, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, PRIMIATA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. E Saint-Martin (FRAMES DEPOT) was unable to offer an explanation for the poor performance of the horse. He said FRAMES DEPOT enjoyed a good run and travelled comfortably until entering the Home Straight, however, did not respond to his riding when placed under pressure. GRAND GENERAL and GALAXY DANCER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of GRAND GENERAL and GALAXY DANCER after the race did not show any significant findings. FRAMES DEPOT, RISING WIN and KING OF FISH were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SINOSPIEL had lost its right front plate. Additional Veterinary Report (20/10/2008) GRAND GENERAL, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. GRAND GENERAL was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer B K Ng this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, GRAND GENERAL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.