10/01/2009  Shatin  Race 3

As THUNDER VALLEY was not able to be loaded into the stalls, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of that horse. Before being allowed to race again, THUNDER VALLEY will have to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. GRAND DRAGON began awkwardly and was then crowded for room between STAY YOUNG and ODE TO JOY which was carried in by SPICY FRUITY which in turn was carried in by CLASSIC ENERGY which shifted ground after being bumped by SEIZE THE DAY on jumping. On jumping, BRAVE SPIRIT knuckled. From the outside barrier when being taken back, MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP got its head up shortly after the start. In the early part of the Straight, GENERAL POWER, PAR EXCELLENCE and BRAVE SPIRIT had some difficulty obtaining clear running. Near the 300 Metres, SPICY FRUITY, which was giving ground, was steadied away from the heels of BRAVE SPIRIT (W C Marwing) which shifted out when not clear. W C Marwing was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. After the 300 Metres, MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP and BRAVE SPIRIT bumped. When questioned regarding the poor performance of GRAND DRAGON, C K Tong was not able to offer any explanation. He said his mount travelled slightly worse than midfield as intended. He said throughout the race GRAND DRAGON travelled only fairly and after racing tight with ODE TO JOY, GRAND DRAGON commenced to race keenly. He said GRAND DRAGON while racing keenly shifted out near the 500 Metres and bumped ODE TO JOY. He said on straightening he shifted GRAND DRAGON to the outside and his mount did not respond to his riding as he had anticipated. Trainer C Fownes was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of GRAND DRAGON. He said since GRAND DRAGON was successful at its most recent start on 28 December 2008, the horse had pleased him in its work. He said GRAND DRAGON had only been subjected to one gallop between runs, however, the horse was fit and did not in his opinion require any further fast work in preparation for today’s race. He said GRAND DRAGON was well fancied by the stable today. In the circumstances, the performance of GRAND DRAGON, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GRAND DRAGON will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Throughout the race, SPICY FRUITY travelled wide and without cover. GRAND DRAGON was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of GRAND DRAGON after the race did not show any significant findings. AMBITIOUS OWNER and MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP were sent for sampling.