08/11/2008  Shatin  Race 6

FORTUNE WARRIOR began awkwardly. After being a little slow to begin, ANIMATION was ridden along to go forward, however, failed to muster speed. In the early stages, JOHNSON was taken back. Near the 1100 Metres, YOUNG ELITE became unbalanced when tightened for room inside FAIR WIN which shifted in momentarily. After this, FAIR WIN shifted back out and NATIONAL GLORY was steadied to take up a position behind it. Approaching the 1000 Metres, FEEL THE FUN proved difficult to settle and travelled close to the heels of NATIONAL GLORY. After the 800 Metres, ANIMATION, which was travelling wide and without cover, was bumped by NATIONAL GLORY. In the early part of the Straight, YOUNG ELITE had difficulty obtaining clear running. In the Straight, ANIMATION hung in and proved difficult to ride. D Whyte (NATIONAL GLORY) explained his mount raced greenly throughout the race as it had done in the past. When questioned regarding his riding out of the horse over the concluding stages, he explained NATIONAL GLORY in the Straight hung in and approaching the winning post shifted in towards ANIMATION which was racing towards his inside. He said because of this he had to momentarily stop riding and straighten his mount before he then resumed riding it out to the end of the race. D Whyte was told whilst the Stewards accepted NATIONAL GLORY was hanging in, he nonetheless was reminded of his responsibility to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding the poor performance of COSMO SUCCESSOR today as compared to when the horse was successful at its most recent start, G Mossé explained the early sections of today’s race were run at a quicker tempo than when the horse was able to lead and dictate at its last start. He said from barrier 10 COSMO SUCCESSOR began well, he allowed the horse to stride forward and cross to race outside the lead. He said COSMO SUCCESSOR travelled satisfactorily, however, when placed under pressure kept on one-paced until approaching the 200 Metres at which point the horse commenced to give ground. He said in his opinion the stronger tempo of the early stages of today’s race was responsible for the poor performance of COSMO SUCCESSOR. Mr Y S Tsui, trainer of the horse, said he gave COSMO SUCCESSOR the same chance in today’s race as they did when it was successful last start in that he believed it would perform competitively. He said COSMO SUCCESSOR was suited at its most recent start by being able to dictate the race from the front with an unchallenged lead. He said given the early sectionals, too much use would have been required to be made of COSMO SUCCESSOR to cross to the lead and in his opinion the horse does not perform to its best when ridden in this manner. G Mossé and Mr Tsui were told their explanations would be reported. Mr Tsui was told the turnaround in performances of COSMO SUCCESSOR and the contrasting betting support of the horse in the two races did not reflect well upon him and that he has a responsibility to do all that he can to ensure horses trained by him perform consistently. He was also told the performances of COSMO SUCCESSOR in both races remain of concern to the Stewards and if they at any stage in the future believe it is necessary to revisit them, they will do so. The performance of COSMO SUCCESSOR was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, COSMO SUCCESSOR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. COSMO SUCCESSOR was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of COSMO SUCCESSOR after the race did not show any significant findings. E Saint-Martin (SEVENS HEAVEN) explained his mount began awkwardly and got its head up as it had done in the past. He said from the outside barrier he initially allowed SEVENS HEAVEN to travel forward in the hope of being able to obtain a position in midfield with cover. He said approaching the 1000 Metres he came back in an endeavour to obtain a position trailing ANIMATION, however, as he did this SUPER improved its position to his inside which prevented him from shifting in. He said making the turn at the 800 Metres he was able to shift across and race outside AMAZING JOURNEY, however, he was still not able to obtain cover. He said SEVENS HEAVEN in the Straight did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. SEVENS HEAVEN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SEVENS HEAVEN after the race did not show any significant findings. NATIONAL GLORY, YOUNG ELITE and AMAZING VENTURE were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ANIMATION had sustained a laceration to its right hind tendon and FEEL THE FUN had sustained a laceration to its right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, ANIMATION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.