09/02/2008  Shatin  Race 5

On jumping, EMBRACES and SOUND OF SILENCE bumped. COME HO CHOI was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, EVER KING and MISSION bumped. After the 1500 Metres, EXPEDITIOUS was bumped and carried wider by SOUND OF SILENCE which shifted out. Near the 1400 Metres, MISSION, which was being taken back from the outside barrier, was steadied away from the heels of SOLAR. In the early stages, TELECOM SIR hung in, then in the Straight gave ground and finished tailed out. The performance of TELECOM SIR was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TELECOM SIR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Near the 1200 Metres, TRIUMPHANT ECHO, which was proving difficult to settle, became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of CRUSH ON YOU. Near the 1000 Metres, MEGA BULLET was left racing wide and without cover. Making the Home Turn, KENOBE hung out. Passing the 400 Metres, CHAMPION PIONEER was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of TELECOM SIR which was giving ground. Over the final 300 Metres, TRIUMPHANT ECHO hung out. Y T Cheng (CLOVIS) was not able to offer any explanation for the poor performance of the horse. He said CLOVIS was stirred up behind the barriers. He said when he has previously ridden CLOVIS at Happy Valley, the horse has been more relaxed while parading behind the barriers. He said he enjoyed a comfortable run behind the speed with cover, however, after straightening CLOVIS did not respond to his riding and gave ground. CRUSH ON YOU was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. MISSION and CLOVIS were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CRUSH ON YOU, MISSION and CLOVIS after the race did not show any significant findings. KENOBE and EXPEDITIOUS were sent for sampling.