15/02/2009  Shatin  Race 11

JIANG JUN began awkwardly and lost ground. On jumping, UNION’S STAR and HURRICANE DASH were taken across behind runners. ISLAND SUPER began awkwardly, causing D Whyte, its rider, to become unbalanced. Near the 1200 Metres, BULLISH GOLD, which had been ridden along to maintain its position, was carried in and momentarily crowded for room inside GRAND STORE which shifted in. After this, BULLISH GOLD travelled wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, UNION’S STAR was steadied away from the heels of KING ENCOSTA. In the middle stages, SILENT DRAGON hung out. Near the 500 Metres, UNION’S STAR was steadied away from the heels of WHITE JADE. At the 500 Metres, SILENT DRAGON, which had its head on the side, was steadied while awkwardly placed inside the heels of GRAND STORE. On straightening, UNION’S STAR was steadied when unable to improve between ISLAND SUPER and WHITE JADE. Near the 300 Metres, SILENT DRAGON was checked when disappointed for running between DIAMOND BRILLIANCE and GRAND STORE (P H Lo) which after initially drifting out slightly then shifted back in slightly. In the circumstances, P H Lo was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. For a considerable distance after this, SILENT DRAGON continued to have difficulty obtaining clear running and because of this was not fully tested. At the 100 Metres, KING ENCOSTA was steadied when awkwardly placed between BULLISH GOLD and IRISH JIG. For the major part of the race, FERRO BEAU travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of ISLAND SUPER, D Whyte was not able to offer any explanation. He said ISLAND SUPER did not travel well at any stage of the race and raced “flat”. ISLAND SUPER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ISLAND SUPER after the race did not show any significant findings. REGENCY HORSE and FERRO BEAU were sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, REGENCY HORSE was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse had bled from both nostrils. Also after the race, FERRO BEAU was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. BULLISH GOLD, IRISH JIG and WHITE JADE were sent for sampling.