25/05/2008  Shatin  Race 9

MY CHOICE began awkwardly and was then crowded for room between PLANET RUNNER which shifted out and REGENCY HORSE which was carried in by TIBER. From the outside barrier, ALWAYS GIGGLE was taken across behind runners in the early stages. After the 900 Metres, ABLE PRINCE got its head on the side, shifted in away from FRIENDLY GAINS, bumped the running rail and lost ground. Near the 600 Metres, FLAMING LAMBORGINI was crowded for room between KING ENCOSTA and FRIENDLY GAINS, both of which shifted ground. MY CHOICE, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of FLAMING LAMBORGINI. In the middle stages, SUPERIOR UNIT hung out and in the Home Straight hung in. The Stewards overruled a protest/objection lodged by H W Lai, the rider of 3rd placegetter, NIGHTLIGN, against SUPERIOR UNIT (Apprentice K L Chui) being declared the 2nd placegetter. H W Lai had alleged interference over the final 200 Metres. The evidence disclosed that there was no interference received by NIGHTLIGN resulting from SUPERIOR UNIT. Further, the Stewards deemed H W Lai’s protest/objection to be frivolous and ordered his deposit be forfeited. D Beadman (ABLE PRINCE) explained it was anticipated the pace of today’s race would be good, therefore he was instructed to obtain a position with a trail behind the leaders. He said in the early stages he was able to obtain this position, however, after ABLE PRINCE became unbalanced after the 900 Metres the horse raced further back than anticipated. He said on straightening he commenced to ride ABLE PRINCE along, however, the horse did not respond to his riding and was most disappointing. He said on pulling up ABLE PRINCE coughed on several occasions. Before being allowed to race again, ABLE PRINCE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ABLE PRINCE and ALWAYS GIGGLE were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ABLE PRINCE and ALWAYS GIGGLE after the race did not show any significant findings. NIGHTLIGN, SUNNY POWER and SUPERIOR UNIT were sent for sampling.