26/10/2008  Shatin  Race 6

PALETTE THE BEST was withdrawn on 23.10.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter AMAZING CHOICE. Before being allowed to race again, PALETTE THE BEST will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. At the 700 Metres, SUPERNOVA shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of SPECIAL DRAGON. Near the 500 Metres, LONDON EXPRESS blundered and almost fell after clipping the heels of TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND which shifted out while being straightened after initially getting its head on the side, shifting in and being awkwardly placed outside the heels of SPECIAL DRAGON which shifted out slightly. In the circumstances, the Stewards believed the incident to be accidental. After the 400 Metres, WAIT FOR ME was steadied and shifted out when disappointed for running inside AMSTERDAM which improved towards the inside of WADADELIGHT. For some distance approaching and passing the 300 Metres, SUPERNOVA had difficulty obtaining clear running. B Prebble (BAAZIGAR) explained from the outside barrier the intention was to be positive with the horse from the start and obtain a forward position. He said at its most recent start BAAZIGAR had proved difficult to settle when racing in about a midfield position. He said on that occasion the horse closed the race off fairly, however, it was felt it had disadvantaged itself by not travelling kindly in the run. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode BAAZIGAR along for a short distance after the start, then allowed the horse to travel forward without riding along to do so. He said at the 1500 Metres he was able to cross to a position one off the fence behind the lead. He said BAAZIGAR relaxed when travelling in this position, however, he felt the horse was not travelling as well as it should. BAAZIGAR was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, BAAZIGAR was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse had bled from both nostrils (2nd occasion). K T Yeung (SOMETHING SPECIAL) said as the track appeared to be favouring horses racing on the speed, it was decided to ride SOMETHING SPECIAL slightly in front of midfield which is further forward than is usual. He said in the early stages he rode SOMETHING SPECIAL along to go forward, however, was not able to obtain a position with cover when racing in a three wide position slightly forward of midfield. He said because of this he elected to make use of SOMETHING SPECIAL and cross to race outside the lead near the 800 Metres. He said he was aware the tempo of the race was strong, however, he believed SOMETHING SPECIAL would be better suited racing outside the lead rather than continuing to race without cover in a midfield position. He said on straightening SOMETHING SPECIAL did not respond to his riding and gave ground. Mr A T Millard, trainer of SOMETHING SPECIAL, confirmed the riding instructions issued and said whilst the horse travelled further forward than he would have wished and had been made use of to do so, he accepted this was due to the circumstances of the race. He also confirmed the riding instructions, after consulting Jockey Yeung, were to have the horse ridden in a more forward position than is usual due to the way today’s track was racing. He said in his opinion the poor performance of SOMETHING SPECIAL was due to the circumstances of the race. Mr Millard and K T Yeung were told their explanations would be reported, however, the manner in which SOMETHING SPECIAL was ridden today had come under notice. TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND and SOMETHING SPECIAL were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND and SOMETHING SPECIAL after the race did not show any significant findings. SPECIAL DRAGON, AMSTERDAM and LUCKY MONEY were sent for sampling.