01/01/2009  Shatin  Race 5

After arriving at the Start, STAY YOUNG, which had kicked a rail when proceeding to the Start, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. As the gates opened, SEVENS HEAVEN lifted its front feet off the ground, then began awkwardly. As a consequence, SEVENS HEAVEN lost ground. From the outside barrier, in the early stages, STAY YOUNG was taken back. From a wide barrier, on jumping, FEEL THE FUN was initially taken back, then after the 1200 Metres was ridden along to go forward and was left racing wide and without cover until after the 800 Metres. In the early stages, OCEAN PRINCE travelled keenly. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, BRAVE SPIRIT was checked when crowded for room outside OCEAN PRINCE which while continuing to travel keenly shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of ALL TIME HIGH which in turn was steadied away from the heels of GANBARIA (Apprentice K C Leung) which steadied the tempo after crossing to the lead. Apprentice Leung was reprimanded and told in similar circumstances to avoid steadying the tempo in the manner in which he did on this occasion. At the 800 Metres, STAY YOUNG was steadied when awkwardly placed between SUPER FANTASY and HAPPY MASTER. Throughout the race, CONQUEROR travelled wide and without cover. After the race, B Prebble (HAPPY MASTER) reported his mount raced “flat”. Following the race, D Beadman (BRAVE SPIRIT) reported he was disadvantaged in riding his mount out as he was experiencing a lack of strength in his right leg. This was the first race in which D Beadman had ridden since being stood down following the running of Race 2 at the Sha Tin racemeeting on 20 December 2008 When questioned, D Beadman said after being stood down on that day, he had subsequently undergone extensive physiotherapy and medical treatment for lower back and right leg pain. He said as a result of the pain he experienced in his lower back, he had difficulty in placing weight on his right leg which led to a lessening of strength in that leg. He said prior to riding at today’s racemeeting, he had ridden horses in track work and barrier trials and had experienced no discomfort. He added he also continued to receive physiotherapy treatment to the affected areas. He said when riding in track work and barrier trials, riders do not place their mounts under race pressure and therefore are also not under race pressure. He said today BRAVE SPIRIT travelled comfortably in the run. He said shortly after straightening he shifted BRAVE SPIRIT to the outside of FEEL THE FUN to improve his position and when he immediately endeavoured to place his mount under pressure, he felt a lack of strength in his right leg. He said he initially persevered in endeavouring to ride BRAVE SPIRIT out and approaching the 200 Metres pulled the whip on his mount. He said over about the final 200 Metres due to the problem he was experiencing with his right leg, he was not able to ride his mount out fully and therefore rode it out hands and heels as best as he was able to in the circumstances for the remainder of the race. After the race, D Beadman was examined by the Club’s doctor who said D Beadman was not fit to fulfil his remaining riding engagements. As such, the Stewards stood D Beadman down on the advice of the doctor. D Beadman was told prior to him being declared to ride in races again, he would be required to submit to the Stewards a medical clearance including a comprehensive record of treatment he has received and in addition he would be required to compete in a barrier trial showing that he is able to place his mount under pressure to the satisfaction of the Stewards. HAPPY MASTER, SEVENS HEAVEN and SUPER FANTASY were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY MASTER, SEVENS HEAVEN and SUPER FANTASY after the race did not show any significant findings. OCEAN PRINCE and FISHKING EXCELLENT were sent for sampling.