23/11/2008  Shatin  Race 6

After being boxed, CHAMPION MOUNT became fractious, reared and had its right front leg caught over the adjoining partition. CHAMPION MOUNT was removed from its stall, examined by the Veterinary Officer who said it was lame in its right front leg and as such in his opinion was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of CHAMPION MOUNT. Before being allowed to race again, CHAMPION MOUNT will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MISSION was slow to begin. On jumping, SUPERNOVA was taken across behind runners. At the 700 Metres, SURE GOOD was steadied away from the heels of MAVERICK. At the 150 Metres, ABOVE ALL when being ridden out shifted in and was then steadied and shifted back out away from the heels of SAFETY FIRST. In the run to the line, DASHING THUNDER was awkwardly placed inside the heels of SUPERNOVA. Because of this, DASHING THUNDER was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. In the Straight, GOOD PARTNER hung in. B Doyle (MAVERICK) explained he had been instructed to ride the horse in a forward position if possible. He said he had been advised prior to the race that MAVERICK in recent starts when travelling in a rearward position had not performed to expectations. Mr C Fownes, trainer of MAVERICK, confirmed the riding instructions issued to B Doyle. He said when the horse was being ridden in a rearward position at its recent starts, it appeared to lack interest in its races and had disappointed the stable. He said earlier in its career MAVERICK had been successful when travelling in a forward position and it was therefore decided today to revert to having the horse ridden in a more forward position in the hope of obtaining an improved performance. He said in today's race a considerable amount of use was required to be made of MAVERICK to obtain a forward position and in his opinion this contributed to the manner in which the horse finished the race off. He said he will now consider reapplying blinkers to the gear in which MAVERICK races in the hope that the horse will be able to obtain a forward position without having to be used up. Mr Fownes was told his explanation would be reported. When questioned, D Whyte was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of KING FAY FAY. He said his mount travelled comfortably in front of midfield throughout the run and was suited by the tempo of the race. He said after straightening when placed under pressure KING FAY FAY did not quicken as it had in the past. KING FAY FAY was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. SEA TREASURE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of KING FAY FAY and SEA TREASURE after the race did not show any significant findings. SAFETY FIRST and CRYSTAL were sent for sampling.