11/02/2012  Shatin  Race 8

FOREST STAR was checked when crowded for room at the start between PALEPALE and COSTA DEL SOL which shifted out. NEEDLES AND THREAD was slow to begin. When ROYAL DOCTOR broke down near the 900 Metres, SLICK BULLET and PERFECT FIT were hampered in consequence. Making the first turn near the 650 Metres, TOUCH WELL got its head up and shifted out away from the heels of PALEPALE. In the Straight, the whip carried by T Clark (PALEPALE) broke. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of QUANTUM POWER, G Mossé stated that making the first turn his mount got its head up on a number of occasions and shifted off the track. He said after this QUANTUM POWER continued to hang out, which it did not do at its most recent start, resulting in it racing wide and without cover. He said QUANTUM POWER came under pressure rounding the Home Turn and despite being ridden along was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened in the Straight. Trainer R Gibson will be interviewed regarding the disappointing performance of QUANTUM POWER prior to the Happy Valley racemeeting next Wednesday, 15 February 2012. A veterinary inspection of QUANTUM POWER and NEEDLES AND THREAD after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PALEPALE had lost its right hind plate. WAH MAY STAR, COSTA DEL SOL and PALEPALE were sent for sampling.