13/06/2009  Shatin  Race 5

NOBLE SILENCE was slow to begin. LUCKY DRAGON began awkwardly, shifted in and was steadied away from the hindquarters of CHEEKY LAD. On jumping, SEVENS HEAVEN lifted its front feet off the ground and as a consequence was slow into stride. After this, SEVENS HEAVEN was taken back. Also on jumping, GLITTERING got its head up. Shortly after the start, GLITTERING was checked and FLORAL IMAGE crowded for room between ROYAL DOMAIN which shifted in slightly and SOHNA which shifted out abruptly. Near the 1300 Metres, ROYAL DOMAIN was steadied away from the heels of SUPERB GAINS. At the 800 Metres, SOHNA, which had improved into a narrow run on the inside of FLORAL IMAGE which had shifted out momentarily, was checked severely when crowded for room between STEEL NERVES and FLORAL IMAGE which was racing tight inside ICE FIRE. LUCKY DRAGON, which was following, was checked in consequence. As the Stewards could not attribute the check to a breach of the Rules, no action was taken. In the middle stages, GLITTERING raced ungenerously and hung out. On several occasions approaching the 600 Metres, ICE FIRE and FLORAL IMAGE bumped. On straightening, LUCKY DRAGON and FLORAL IMAGE bumped. For a considerable distance after straightening, STEEL NERVES had difficulty obtaining clear running. At the 350 Metres, SUPERB GAINS, which was giving ground, got its head on the side and commenced to hang in badly. Because of this, C K Tong, its rider, stopped riding and straightened his mount. The performance of SUPERB GAINS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPERB GAINS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. K T Yeung (SEVENS HEAVEN) said as is usual when the horse has drawn a wide barrier he was asked to ride his mount in midfield. He said after beginning poorly, SEVENS HEAVEN was not able to obtain a position with cover and consequently travelled wide throughout the race. SEVENS HEAVEN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, SEVENS HEAVEN 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, SEVENS HEAVEN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SOHNA, NOBLE SILENCE and CHEEKY LAD were sent for sampling.