21/10/2007  Shatin  Race 8

HE CAN TANGO was slow to begin. On jumping, UNITED EFFORTS was checked when crowded for room between NORDIC STAR and WIN A DOZEN which shifted in. Shortly after this, NORDIC STAR and HIGH POINT were crowded for room between ROYAL PERICLES which shifted out slightly while being ridden along to go forward and WIN A DOZEN which shifted further. In this incident, ROYAL PERICLES became unbalanced behind after being bumped on the hindquarters by HIGH POINT. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, ROYAL PERICLES proved difficult to settle. In the middle stages, ALWAYS GREEN hung out and making the Home Turn ran off. The performance of ALWAYS GREEN was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ALWAYS GREEN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Making the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, JIANG JUN hung out. In the Straight, HIGH POINT hung in. While the Stewards were satisfied with riding of G Boss (SLOW WALTZ) did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he nonetheless was reminded of his responsibility to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the winning post. O Doleuze (HE CAN TANGO) explained from a wide barrier the horse was taken back in the early stages as is usual. He said because of the quick tempo of the race HE CAN TANGO was not able to stay in touch with the field in the early stages. He said in the Home Straight HE CAN TANGO closed the race off fairly, but the manner in which the horse pulled up following the race indicated to him that it would derive benefit from today’s race start. HE CAN TANGO and ALWAYS GREEN were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of HE CAN TANGO and ALWAYS GREEN after the race did not show any significant findings. HIGH POINT, TCHAIKOVSKY and INSPIRATION were sent for sampling.