14/12/2008  Shatin  Race 2

ACHILLES OF TROY began awkwardly, causing D Oliver, its rider, to become unbalanced. TRULLI and OASIS DAVIS were slow to begin. ENCHANTED began awkwardly, then did not muster speed and travelled wide and without cover for the major part of the race. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, WISE LOVER also failed to muster speed. In the early stages, LUCKY RED proved difficult to settle and making the turn at the 800 Metres got its head up. Passing the 900 Metres, HEARTLINE was bumped and carried in by CRAIG’S DRAGON (D Beadman) which shifted in. D Beadman was told to exercise greater care. At the 700 Metres, BOLERO was steadied away from the heels of FINN MACCOOL which shifted away from the rail. After the 700 Metres, FINN MACCOOL, which was commencing to improve its position, was momentarily crowded for room between ENCHANTED and HEARTLINE which shifted out slightly. No action was taken. On straightening, FINN MACCOOL was bumped by HEARTLINE which had been awkwardly placed close to the heels of ENCHANTED and at this time was shifted out. Shortly after this, ENCHANTED was bumped by FINN MACCOOL which shifted in. From on straightening until near the 200 Metres, ACHILLES OF TROY was held up and was unable to improve. For a short distance after straightening, MY WHISKY, which was hanging in, had difficulty obtaining clear running. Over the concluding stages, FINN MACCOOL hung in. O Doleuze (KUNG FU) explained his mount did not show its normal early speed. He said from a wide barrier he remained wide on the track approaching the 800 Metres, expecting KUNG FU would be able to cross to the fence in the lead entering the first turn. He said because KUNG FU did not show its usual speed, he was required to make more use of the horse than is normal to reach the lead prior to straightening. He said shortly after straightening when placed under pressure KUNG FU did not respond and immediately commenced to give ground. KUNG FU was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, KUNG FU was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, KUNG FU will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BOLERO, CRAIG’S DRAGON and HEARTLINE were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TRULLI had lost its left front plate.