25/01/2012  Shatin  Race 2

On entering the track, DIAMOND AGATE became fractious, resulting in M Guyon being dislodged. DIAMOND AGATE was quickly recaptured and was cleared to start. Also on entering the track, SUN SPEEDY planted its feet and refused to proceed to the Start. When attempts were made to lead SUN SPEEDY towards the Start, it dislodged Apprentice C Y Ho and got down under the outside rail. Acting on veterinary advice that SUN SPEEDY had sustained multiple laceration wounds to both hind legs and an injury to the left hind tendon, that horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, SUN SPEEDY will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DIAMOND AGATE began awkwardly and shortly after the start was crowded for room between JOHN DORY and DREAMS MAKER which shifted in. THE FAST LANE and TANG PALACE bumped at the start. EXCELLENT WIN began awkwardly, resulting in its rider, Apprentice T H So, becoming unbalanced. After this, EXCELLENT WIN was aggressively ridden to obtain a forward position, however, throughout the race travelled wide and without cover. From the outside barrier, SHAREMA FEELING was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 800 Metres, DIAMOND AGATE raced tight inside FLORAL MAN. For some distance after passing the 800 Metres, DREAMS MAKER got its head up when being checked away from the heels of JOHN DORY. Approaching the 600 Metres, JOHN DORY was steadied away from the heels of BEAUTY KING. At the 600 Metres, DIAMOND AGATE became unbalanced when checked away from the heels of HOT ASSET. Near the 500 Metres, DREAMS MAKER was again checked away from the heels of JOHN DORY. SHAREMA FEELING was held up for clear running until passing the 350 Metres. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BLESSING WIN, T Angland said that his mount travelled strongly throughout the early and middle stages behind the eventual winner, GOLD EDITION. He said at the entrance to the Straight he shifted BLESSING WIN away from the fence to take advantage of a run between GOLD EDITION and BEAUTY KING, however, BLESSING WIN did not respond to his riding and was not able to take advantage of this run. He said he placed BLESSING WIN under heavy pressure after this, however, the horse gave ground and was very disappointing. He did say that after the race he recommended to connections that they consider stepping BLESSING WIN up in distance in the near future and also consider riding it more quietly than was the case today. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that blood was noted at the right nostril of SHAREMA FEELING. However, an endoscopic examination confirmed the horse’s trachea to be clean and therefore was not deemed to be a bleeder. A veterinary inspection of BLESSING WIN and EXCELLENT WIN after the race did not show any significant findings. BEAUTY KING, GOLD EDITION and HOT ASSET were sent for sampling.