13/12/2009  Shatin  Race 7

DUFF and SWEET HEARTH were slow to begin. GRIS DE GRIS, which began awkwardly, was steadied away from the heels of ABLE ONE shortly after the start. Also shortly after the start, GOOD BA BA was checked when crowded for room between RACING TO WIN which shifted in and PRESSING which shifted out after bumping with ALEXANDROS. Near the 1500 Metres, PRESSING was steadied away from the heels of RACING TO WIN (H Bowman) which shifted in when not clear. H Bowman was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. RACING TO WIN proved difficult to settle in the early and middle stages. Passing the 1400 Metres, GOOD BA BA was momentarily crowded for room between FERNELEY and HAPPY ZERO which shifted in. Passing the 400 Metres, DUFF shifted to the inside of FELLOWSHIP to obtain clear running. Near the 300 Metres, GRIS DE GRIS was struck over the nose by the whip of F Berry (DUFF). Over the concluding stages, FERNELEY raced tight between FELLOWSHIP and HAPPY ZERO which shifted in. Because of this, FERNELEY was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. Throughout the race, PRESSING travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of PRESSING after the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse had lost its right hind plate. GOOD BA BA and HAPPY ZERO were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that RACING TO WIN had lost its right hind plate and had sustained a cut to the right hind cannon.