25/04/2010  Shatin  Race 9

THUNDER DANCING was withdrawn prior to Race 1 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (cut right front fetlock). Before being allowed to race again, THUNDER DANCING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ABLE DRAGON was slow to begin. NO MORE GREEN began awkwardly, resulting in M Chadwick, its rider, becoming unbalanced in the saddle. Passing the 1000 Metres, TAVERNER (D Whyte) shifted out and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GRAND DANCER which itself shifted in slightly when close to the heels of SUPER CARDED. D Whyte reported that for some distance after this TAVERNER was reluctant to remain racing on the fence and rounding the first turn shifted out across the heels of GRAND DANCER. When TAVERNER shifted out near the 850 Metres, ELEGANCE DESIRE was checked when badly crowded for room inside JOHNSON which itself became unbalanced in the incident. Shortly after the 400 Metres, NO MORE GREEN and GRAND DANCER bumped as NO MORE GREEN shifted to the outside of HAPPY SEVEN into clear running. Shortly after entering the Straight, ELEGANCE DESIRE was checked when disappointed for running between FLUKE which at this time was giving ground and ONE WEE ACORN (O Doleuze) which shifted out to improve. In the circumstances, O Doleuze was advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Throughout the race, FLUKE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, W C Marwing stated that as LOYAL ARMY was stepping up in distance to 1400 Metres today, he was instructed to ride the horse more quietly than usual in an endeavour to ensure that it ran out the distance. He said due to the fast early tempo of the race, LOYAL ARMY raced slightly further back than had been anticipated. A veterinary inspection of LAMBRO and ONE WEE ACORN after the race did not show any significant findings. GREEN JACKET, GRAND DANCER and ELEGANCE DESIRE were sent for sampling.