31/05/2009  Shatin  Race 2

After arriving in the saddling stalls, SIR LAGO had its right hind plate refitted and MEDALLION had an adjustment made to its left front plate. SIR LAGO and MEDALLION were examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion they were suitable to race. SIR LAGO was slow to begin. COVER BOY was slow into stride. On jumping, CHINESE COURSER and COOL RUNNINGS bumped. After the 1400 Metres, RAINBOW STAR was steadied away from the heels of MYTHIC STEED which shifted in when barely clear. Approaching the turn at the 1000 Metres, FANTASTIC TIME, which was racing tight outside DANEPRINT, was steadied away from the heels of GALAXY DANCER. Making the Home Turn, CHEERFUL HAPPINESS was carried wider by CHINESE COURSER which shifted out. Passing the 300 Metres, DANEPRINT was steadied away from the heels of TRIUMPHANT GLORY after being disappointed for running between that horse and MEDALLION which shifted out. When DANEPRINT steadied, inconvenience was caused to FOREVER FORTUNE and FANTASTIC TIME which were hampered in consequence. Near the 100 Metres, DANEPRINT was shifted to the inside of COVER BOY to continue going forward. When questioned regarding the poor performance of MEDALLION, H W Lai said his mount travelled well in a position around midfield during the early and middle stages of the race. He said making the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight MEDALLION hung out. He said because of this near the 300 Metres he stopped riding and straightened his mount, however, when he did this MEDALLION then felt unbalanced in its action and failed to respond to his riding. MEDALLION was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MEDALLION after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GALAXY DANCER, D Whyte said his mount travelled satisfactorily in the early and middle stages. He said on straightening he shifted GALAXY DANCER into clear running and the horse for a short distance showed some response to his riding. He said near the 350 Metres GALAXY DANCER commenced to make a significant breathing noise and immediately started to give ground. He said when it was apparent GALAXY DANDER was well beaten after the 200 Metres, he did not persevere in riding his mount out. He said GALAXY DANCER continued to make the abnormal breathing noise on pulling up following the race. GALAXY DANCER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of GALAXY DANCER after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, GALAXY DANCER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SIR LAGO and CHEERFUL HAPPINESS were sent for sampling.