08/11/2008  Shatin  Race 3

After arriving at the Start, ISTIDE had its tongue tie refitted. GREEN GLORY was slow to begin. On jumping, AURELIAN and FOREVER RICHES were crowded for room between GENERAL POWER which shifted out and MYTHIC STEED which shifted in. On straightening, NATURAL FATCHOY was shifted out in an endeavour to obtain clear running and in doing so bumped with GREEN GLORY. At the 400 Metres, MORE BOUNTIFUL was steadied away from the heels of ISTIDE which shifted towards the outside of MYTHIC STEED. Mr P O’Sullivan, trainer of HAPPEE GIFT, explained he had instructed Z Purton to ride the horse in a rearward position today. He said when racing over a shorter distance, HAPPEE GIFT when being ridden in a forward position had failed to finish its races off and was thought to be not breathing correctly during its races. He said today HAPPEE GIFT was stepping up in distance to 1400 Metres and he removed the blinkers from the horse in the hope that it would relax in the run. He said by taking HAPPEE GIFT back the intention was to have the horse breathe correctly which would then enable it to close the race off. He said he was satisfied with the manner in which HAPPEE GIFT travelled in the race. He said HAPPEE GIFT quickened when placed under pressure after straightening, however, the horse’s run ended short of the line. He said it will be his intention if circumstances permit to have HAPPEE GIFT ridden in a similar manner in its upcoming races and if possible drop the horse back in distance slightly. When questioned regarding the poor performance of AURELIAN, H W Lai said his mount, which was up in class today, raced in a rearward position as it did when it was successful at its most recent start. He said AURELIAN travelled satisfactorily, however, in the early stages was three wide. He said prior to straightening he shifted AURELIAN to the outside into clear running, however, the horse did not quicken. He said he was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of AURELIAN other than to reiterate the horse was racing up in class today. AURELIAN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of AURELIAN after the race did not show any significant findings. MORE BOUNTIFUL and BEAUTIFUL CHOICE were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MORE BOUNTIFUL had lost its left front plate. The Stewards opened an inquiry into M Du Plessis’ riding of LITTLE BIG BOY in the early and middle stages of the race. Evidence was taken from M Du Plessis and Mr D E Ferraris, trainer of the horse. The inquiry was adjourned to a date and time to be fixed.