01/01/2009  Shatin  Race 8

HIGH MARK and BUNDLE O’ GOLD were slow into stride. Near the 800 Metres, IRISH JIG was checked to avoid the heels of BUNDLE O’ GOLD (B Doyle) which when shifting out was steadied as BOOMING CITY itself steadied after reaching the lead. In the circumstances, B Doyle was severely reprimanded and told to avoid a repetition. At the 50 Metres, HIGH MARK, which was closing the race off fairly, was checked to avoid the heels of WARRIOR which when being ridden out shifted in abruptly. No action was taken. For the major part of the race, PROFITING CHAMPION hung out. B Prebble (ULTRA FANTASY) said when his mount was tightened for room outside BUNDLE O’ GOLD after the 800 Metres, it became unbalanced in its action. He said he continued to allow ULTRA FANTASY to travel, however, at the 600 Metres the horse again became unbalanced in its action. He said he then rode ULTRA FANTASY along for a short distance, however, the horse did not respond to his riding and continued to feel unbalanced. He said because of this he did not continue to ride ULTRA FANTASY out to the end of the race. He added ULTRA FANTASY was also making a significant respiratory noise. ULTRA FANTASY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ULTRA FANTASY after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, ULTRA FANTASY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. PROFITING CHAMPION was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, PROFITING CHAMPION was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, PROFITING CHAMPION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. KILDARE and IRISH JIG were sent for sampling.