18/01/2009  Shatin  Race 3

As the start was effected, OSCAR PRINCE became fractious and was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, BRILLIANT FLASH was steadied away from the heels of BROWN BEAUTY. Near the 1200 Metres, GALAXEE was steadied when crowded for room inside OSCAR PRINCE which was carried in momentarily by OCTAGONAL CANYON. After the 1200 Metres, BROWN BEAUTY was checked away from the heels of FANTASTIC GUY. For some distance after the 400 Metres, WONG'S SUCCESS was steadied when unable to obtain clear running, then over the concluding stages hung in. At the 300 Metres, GALAXEE was steadied when awkwardly placed inside OSCAR PRINCE which shifted in. After the 100 Metres, FOREST FOUNTAIN was steadied when disappointed for running between OSCAR PRINCE and ELECTRONICS SPUR. G Mossé (GALAXEE) explained after he steadied his mount when crowded for room at the 300 Metres, he then resumed riding GALAXEE out. He said GALAXEE after having lost its momentum was left flat-footed, however, did manage to make some ground in the concluding stages. G Mossé was told to ensure he resumes riding his mounts out fully as soon as he is able to in similar circumstances. When questioned regarding the poor performance of OCTAGONAL CANYON, D Whyte said his mount travelled in a three wide position without cover in the early and middle stages. He said when SAMBUOYANT improved its position near the 1000 Metres, he endeavoured to follow that horse forward, however, OCTAGONAL CANYON was not travelling well enough to do so. He said because of this he did not continue to ride OCTAGONAL CANYON to go forward approaching the turn at the 800 Metres. He said making the turn at the 800 Metres he was able to obtain a position with cover on OCTAGONAL CANYON, however, his mount when placed under pressure prior to straightening did not respond to his riding. OCTAGONAL CANYON was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. FANTASTIC GUY and HAPPY ALL AROUND were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of OCTAGONAL CANYON and FANTASTIC GUY after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, HAPPY ALL AROUND was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY ALL AROUND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SAMBUOYANT and ZEPHYRUS were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported SAMBUOYANT had lost its left front plate.