05/10/2008  Shatin  Race 7

GALAXEE began awkwardly and lost ground. GRAND GENERAL lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected, made contact with the outside of its barrier stall and consequently lost ground. From the outside barrier, VILLAGE KID was taken across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1100 Metres, GENERAL POWER was steadied away from the heels of FEEL THE FUN which was taken in by NEW CHAPTER (Apprentice K C Leung). Apprentice Leung was reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear before shifting ground in future. Also near the 1100 Metres, EXPEDITIOUS was steadied away from the heels of KING FAY FAY. Approaching the 500 Metres, NEW CHAPTER became unbalanced. Passing the 400 Metres, GALAXEE was steadied away from the heels of GENERAL POWER which shifted out slightly. Near the 350 Metres, VILLAGE KID was steadied when disappointed for running between MY MELODY which was weakening and EXPEDITIOUS which shifted out. As a result of this, VILLAGE KID was held up for clear running for a short distance. Approaching the 200 Metres, SUPER was allowed to shift wider on the track. For some distance approaching the 200 Metres, EXPEDITIOUS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KING FAY FAY which was shifting out marginally. Throughout the race, MY MELODY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of LITTLE BIG BOY in the early stages, M Du Plessis said he was instructed to have the horse race in front of midfield if possible but that he should endeavour to obtain cover. He said from barrier 9 he noticed a number of runners being ridden forward on his inside and he therefore elected to shift across behind runners in an endeavour to obtain cover. He added he felt that had he ridden LITTLE BIG BOY along in the early stages to take up a forward position, the horse would have been left racing wide and without cover and he therefore elected to come back further to be in a position racing behind GRAND GENERAL but towards the rear. M Du Plessis was advised his explanation would be reported, however, he should wherever possible attempt to carry out his riding instructions as best as he is able. GENERAL POWER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of GENERAL POWER after the race did not show any significant findings. KING FAY FAY and EXPEDITIOUS were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that both VILLAGE KID and MY MELODY were making an abnormal breathing noise.