26/04/2009  Shatin  Race 10

On jumping, MEDIC FORTUNE was taken back. QUICK TOUCH was slow into stride. AMPLE GAINS began awkwardly, got its head up and as a consequence lost ground. At the 1300 Metres, ROMPING was carried wider by DREAM TEAM. After the 800 Metres, MEDIC FORTUNE got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of PLAN EX. Shortly afterwards, MEDIC FORTUNE, which continued to be awkwardly placed close to the heels of PLAN EX, blundered. Prior to straightening, QUICK TOUCH was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of GALAXY TREASURE, then for a considerable distance after straightening had difficulty obtaining clear running. Near the 200 Metres, PLAN EX was steadied away from the heels of PRESTO which shifted out while hanging. After this, PRESTO continued to hang out. For the major part of the race, HOME TREASURE hung out. When questioned regarding the poor performance of DREAM TEAM, C Soumillon said his mount did not appear comfortable on today's track conditions. He said DREAM TEAM travelled only fairly throughout the run. He added DREAM TEAM might also not have been suited by the increase in distance carrying 133 lbs. DREAM TEAM was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of DREAM TEAM after the race did not show any significant findings. Z Purton (SUPER TRAVELLER) said it was anticipated the race would be run at a good tempo and he was therefore instructed to ride his mount where it was comfortable. He said SUPER TRAVELLER began well from a wide barrier and horses on the inside were ridden to go forward in the early stages. He said he settled SUPER TRAVELLER in a position in midfield as he was told not to make too much use of his mount in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said SUPER TRAVELLER travelled only fairly throughout the run, however, in the Straight he became concerned with the action of the horse and felt that there might have been something amiss with the horse, he therefore eased SUPER TRAVELLER down over the final 300 Metres. SUPER TRAVELLER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported SUPER TRAVELLER was noted to be making an abnormal breathing noise. He said SUPER TRAVELLER had previously been reported to be a "roarer". The performance of SUPER TRAVELLER was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER TRAVELLER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HOME TREASURE and GRAND CRU were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ROMPING had lost its left hind plate.