15/03/2009  Shatin  Race 3

WIN-A-LOT, which was fractious in its stall, was slow to begin. On jumping, TOP NEWS and SEASON LINKZ bumped. Near the 800 Metres, SEASON LINKZ was steadied away from the heels of HOLEY DOLLAR. After the 800 Metres, ONE WEE ACORN was inconvenienced by NATIVE KID which shifted in while proving difficult to settle. For some distance after this, NATIVE KID continued to prove difficult to settle. Near the 300 Metres, TOWKAY FLYER got its head on the side, commenced to hang in and then at the 300 Metres shifted ground, causing some inconvenience to HOLEY DOLLAR. At the 50 Metres, NATIVE KID was steadied when having difficulty obtaining clear running outside TOWKAY FLYER. When questioned, H W Lai (FOREVER ELATION), which was having its first start in Hong Kong, said he had been asked to ride the horse with cover. He said from the outside barrier FOREVER ELATION began well, he initially rode along to go forward, then at the 900 Metres steadied his mount in an attempt to allow NATIVE KID to cross and provide him with cover. He said when being steadied, FOREVER ELATION proved difficult to settle. He said NATIVE KID did not go forward and lead as he had anticipated which allowed TOWKAY FLYER to cross and lead on the outside rail. He said as a consequence of NATIVE KID not leading, FOREVER ELATION travelled near the rear. He said at the 400 Metres it became apparent to him that he would have difficulty obtaining running towards the outside rail and he then shifted FOREVER ELATION in to go forward. He said near the 200 Metres he momentarily steadied FOREVER ELATION and shifted to the inside of GOOD DISHES. He said once in the clear, FOREVER ELATION closed the race off nicely. H W Lai was told his explanation would be reported and he should where circumstances permit ensure he maintains a favourable position in the run. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported GOOD DISHES was noted to be making an abnormal breathing noise. He said GOOD DISHES had previously been reported to be a "roarer". ONE WEE ACORN and TOWKAY FLYER were sent for sampling. Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TOWKAY FLYER had lost its left front plate.