30/01/2011  Shatin  Race 6

Shortly after the start, AMBITIOUS DRAGON became unbalanced when bumped by TAVERNER. In the early stages, DOUBLE DRAGON proved difficult to settle. Passing the 1400 Metres, TAKEANOTHERCHANCE was steadied away from the heels of AMBITIOUS DRAGON which shifted in. Passing the 1000 Metres, EAGLE SPIRIT was left racing wide and without cover. WRATH OF FIRE was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 300 Metres was crowded for room between EAGLE SPIRIT and LET`S GOAL, both of which shifted ground. TAKEANOTHERCHANCE was not able to obtain clear running until passing the 200 Metres. The performance of STOLEN THUNDER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, STOLEN THUNDER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. O Doleuze (ROYAL KNIGHT) stated that he had been instructed to take the horse across behind runners from the outside barrier as it generally races from the second half of the field. He said as he was intending to immediately come across behind runners on ROYAL KNIGHT, he ensured that he did not give the horse too much rein. He said because of this ROYAL KNIGHT began awkwardly, got its head in the air and for some distance in the early stages proved difficult to restrain. He added that this resulted in ROYAL KNIGHT settling much further back in the field in the early stages than had been intended. O Doleuze was advised to make every effort to ensure that his mounts are able to leave the barriers cleanly. A veterinary inspection of DR WIN after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse`s trachea. AMBITIOUS DRAGON and HAPPY GUYS were sent for sampling.