26/09/2010  Shatin  Race 5

SURE FORWARD and AMAZING VENTURE were slow to begin. When being steadied in the early stages to obtain a position with cover, BE GRATEFUL proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. For some distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, NICE KING proved difficult to settle and was steadied away from the heels of SURE FORWARD. Passing the 800 Metres, GRANDWAY FLYER was steadied away from the heels of MANY GAINS which itself was also steadied away from the heels of MERIDIAN PRIDE (Apprentice M L Yeung) which shifted in when not sufficiently clear. Apprentice Yeung was reminded of his obligation to ensure that he is clear of other runners when shifting ground in future. After this, Apprentice Yeung steadied the pace on MERIDIAN PRIDE, resulting in MANY GAINS and GRANDWAY FLYER being hampered. Apprentice Yeung was advised to ensure that he does not relax his mounts in such a fashion so as to excessively slow the speed of races. After the 800 Metres, SUGAR ON TOP, which was racing wide and without cover, was allowed to stride forward into the lead. Approaching the 700 Metres, NAMJONG FIGHTERS was checked away from the heels of GOOD LOOKING WATCH. SURE FORWARD, which was following, was checked in consequence and shifted out abruptly, resulting in SUPER BOBO and BE GRATEFUL being taken wider. After this, both SUPER BOBO and BE GRATEFUL travelled wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, GOOD LOOKING WATCH shifted out away from the heels of SUGAR ON TOP, resulting in SURE FORWARD being crowded for room inside SUPER BOBO. A short distance later, NAMJONG FIGHTERS, which was following GOOD LOOKING WATCH, was steadied away from the heels of that horse. Passing the 300 Metres, SURE FORWARD was steadied away from the heels of GOOD LOOKING WATCH which at this time was taken out by MANY GAINS which itself shifted out away from the heels of SUGAR ON TOP which shifted out and away from MERIDIAN PRIDE after initially being carried out by that horse. GALAXY TREASURE was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 200 Metres. Over the concluding stages, SOHNA raced in restricted room between NICE KING and AMAZING VENTURE. In the Straight, MERIDIAN PRIDE got its head on the side, hung out and proved difficult to ride. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MERIDIAN PRIDE was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, MERIDIAN PRIDE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of BE GRATEFUL and NICE KING after the race did not show any significant findings. NICE KING, GALAXY TREASURE and MERIDIAN PRIDE were sent for sampling. <27/9/2010 Additional Veterinary Reports > BE GRATEFUL, which performed poorly, was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison. He said at that time there were no significant findings. BE GRATEFUL was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C W Chang this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be mildly lame in the left front leg. NICE KING, which performed poorly, was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison. He said at that time there were no significant findings. NICE KING was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C W Chang this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in the left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, NICE KING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.