28/12/2008  Shatin  Race 9

SUNSHINE BOY was slow to begin. On jumping, FAT CHOY ICHIBAN was checked and DANZULU, ACHILLES OF TROY and VALUE CHOICE were crowded for room between KING ACRYLIC which shifted in and BROTHERS IN ARMS which on jumping shifted out abruptly. No action was taken. As a consequence of this, DANZULU lost ground. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, DANZULU lost its position when crowded for room between GREEN SUPER and ACHILLES OF TROY which got its head on the side and hung in. Making the Home Turn, SUPER PLUS and HAPPY WIN hung out. In the early part of the Straight, GREEN SUPER was shifted wider to obtain clear running. At the 300 Metres, VALUE CHOICE, which was commencing to close the race off fairly, was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of HAPPY WIN which was giving ground. At the 150 Metres, DANZULU was steadied away from the heels of BROTHERS IN ARMS which shifted out slightly. S K Sit (KING ACRYLIC), which finished tailed out, reported that at no stage of the race did his mount stride out as he thought it should. KING ACRYLIC was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of KING ACRYLIC after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of KING ACRYLIC was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, KING ACRYLIC will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. M Du Plessis (VALUE CHOICE) said it was anticipated the race would be run at a good tempo, therefore from a wide barrier he was asked to ride the horse in a midfield position with cover if possible. He said VALUE CHOICE was crowded for room at the start and after this he elected to take his mount back to ensure it had cover. He said at no stage of the race did VALUE CHOICE travel comfortably and felt awkward in its action. He said in his opinion VALUE CHOICE is better suited by the more forgiving surface at Happy Valley. Before being allowed to race again, VALUE CHOICE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. E Saint-Martin (MACHO EXPRESSO) was unable to explain the poor performance of the horse. He said MACHO EXPRESSO travelled comfortably behind the leaders in the run, however, when placed under pressure after straightening did not respond to his riding. He said when it was apparent MACHO EXPRESSO was well beaten after the 200 Metres, he did not persevere in riding his mount out. MACHO EXPRESSO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MACHO EXPRESSO after the race did not show any significant findings. In the circumstances, the performance of MACHO EXPRESSO was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MACHO EXPRESSO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DANZULU was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of DANZULU after the race did not show any significant findings. REGENCY HORSE and BEJEWELED were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HAPPY WIN was distressed. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY WIN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.