24/05/2009  Shatin  Race 5

PACIFIC ALLIANCE and OASIS DAVIS were slow to begin. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, SPIRIT OF LO PAN was slow to muster and then near the 1000 Metres when caught racing wide on the track was steadied and taken back to a position with cover. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, MAMMA MIA was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of NICE KING which originally got its head on the side and shifted in away from SMART KNIGHT and then steadied to allow that horse to cross. OASIS DAVIS, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of MAMMA MIA. Prior to straightening, NICE KING was steadied away from the heels of AMITYSHIP (M W Leung) which shifted out into clear running when not properly clear. M W Leung was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. For a considerable distance after straightening, MAJESTIC HEART was held up and unable to improve and after the 400 Metres was steadied and shifted in to obtain clear running. Near the 300 Metres, NICE KING was steadied when awkwardly placed between MAMMA MIA and OASIS DAVIS. For the major part of the race, LIVERBIRD travelled wide and without cover. B Doyle (OASIS DAVIS), which performed poorly, reported his mount did not handle today’s track conditions. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SMART KNIGHT, B Prebble said from his wide barrier he was required to make some use of his mount in the early stages to cross to the lead as instructed. He said after obtaining the lead making the turn at the 800 Metres, SMART KNIGHT did not appear to handle today’s track conditions and changed leads on several occasions. He said in the Straight when placed under pressure SMART KNIGHT did not respond to his riding and disappointed in the manner in which it closed the race off. He said in his opinion the poor performance of SMART KNIGHT was due to the use made of the horse in the early stages together with it not handling the track conditions. SMART KNIGHT was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, SMART KNIGHT was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said there were no significant findings other than the horse had lost its right front plate. OASIS DAVIS and NICE KING were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of OASIS DAVIS and NICE KING after the race did not show any significant findings. AMITYSHIP, PACIFIC ALLIANCE and SUPER BOBO were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SPIRIT OF LO PAN had lost its right front plate. <25/5/2009 Additional Veterinary Reports> NICE KING, which performed poorly, was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison. He said at that time there were no significant findings. NICE KING was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer A Lee this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, NICE KING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.