12/01/2008  Shatin  Race 1

After arriving at the Start, it was noted FLORAL JOY II had an abrasion to the inside of its right nostril. The horse was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. ATTENTIVE RUNNER was slow to begin. ELEPHANT STAR began awkwardly and lost ground. MAGIC KING began awkwardly and bumped the inside gate of its stall. Over about the final 600 Metres, JADE DANCER hung in. For a short distance after the 400 Metres, MAGIC KING had difficulty obtaining clear running. G Boss (PEARL HALO) said he rode the horse in a rearward position, the same as it was at its last start over the same course and distance. He said on that occasion PEARL HALO closed the race off well. He said after travelling well until near the 400 Metres where he endeavoured to quicken, PEARL HALO failed to respond to his riding and raced in a manner which indicated to him the horse would now be better suited in races further than the 1000 Metres of today. ATTENTIVE RUNNER and PEARL HALO were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ATTENTIVE RUNNER and PEARL HALO after the race did not show any significant findings. FLORAL JOY II and TREASURE PLANET were sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 14 January 2008) ATTENTIVE RUNNER, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. ATTENTIVE RUNNER was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer K W Lui this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in the right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, ATTENTIVE RUNNER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.