22/02/2009  Shatin  Race 8

GREEN BIRDIE was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, SACRED KINGDOM, which had been shifting out, was carried into a position on the rail by RIVER JORDAN (D Beadman). D Beadman was severely reprimanded and told whilst the Stewards accept competitive riding, he must exercise care to ensure his riding does not place him in breach of a significant Rule of Racing. At the 800 Metres, GREEN BIRDIE was steadied away from the heels of SACRED KINGDOM which was steadied away from the heels of YELLOW DIAMOND which in turn was steadied away from the heels of ENTHUSED which after crossing to the fence in the lead steadied the tempo. At the 700 Metres, SACRED KINGDOM was checked when crowded for room between YELLOW DIAMOND and SUNNY KING, both of which shifted a small amount of ground. No action was taken. RIVER JORDAN was checked in consequence and shifted out, causing SANZIRO to be carried wider. At the 550 Metres, RIVER JORDAN was steadied away from the heels of SUNNY KING. KILDARE, which was following, was checked in consequence. At the 100 Metres, ENTHUSED was momentarily tightened for room between DIM SUM and SUNNY POWER which shifted out. Shortly after this, ENTHUSED raced tight inside DIM SUM which shifted in slightly. After the 50 Metres, GREEN BIRDIE, which was closing the race off strongly, was checked severely and almost fell when disappointed for running inside SUNNY POWER which shifted back in slightly after having initially shifted out. As the Stewards were satisfied GREEN BIRDIE had not established running to the inside of SUNNY POWER, no action was taken. Just prior to the winning post, DIM SUM was brushed by ENTHUSED which shifted out. O Doleuze (SACRED KINGDOM) reported his mount became unbalanced in its action at the 200 Metres. YELLOW DIAMOND was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, YELLOW DIAMOND was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was lame in its left front leg and had lost its right front plate. Before being allowed to race again, YELLOW DIAMOND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SACRED KINGDOM, DIM SUM and ENTHUSED were sent for sampling.