09/09/2007  Shatin  Race 1

AMBITION was slow to begin. DRAGON INN was slow to begin and then lost further ground when crowded for room between FASTER FASTER and MUTUAL GAIN which shifted out abruptly. NAMJONG SKY was slow to begin, then lost further ground when checked to avoid the heels of GEM MASTER which shifted in abruptly. Near the 900 Metres, DRAGON INN was steadied away from the heels of FASTER FASTER. On straightening, SPICY HOT became unbalanced after making contact with MUTUAL GAIN. Throughout the race, MUTUAL GAIN and KING'S CHOICE travelled wide and without cover. The declaration of weighed-in was deferred whilst the Stewards considered whether PRIME MOVER had had an unfair start. The official videos of the start showed that when the gates opened, PRIME MOVER stood flat-footed, then after the field had travelled a considerable distance walked out of the gates, turned to the right and took no part in the race. As the Stewards were satisfied PRIME MOVER had not had an unfair start, the horse was deemed to be a runner and weighed-in was declared on the numbers as semaphored by the Judge. After the race, PRIME MOVER was examined by the Veterianry Officer who said an endoscopic examination showed blood present in its right nasal passage. However, the horse's trachea was clear. As such, PRIME MOVER was deemed not to have bled. Before being allowed to race again, PRIME MOVER will have to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NAMJONG SKY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of NAMJONG SKY after the race did not show any significant findings. SILLY BOY and DRAGON INN were sent for sampling.