13/09/2009  Shatin  Race 5

PERPETUAL DELIGHT began awkwardly. SPLENDID SAILS and MY WAY bumped at the start. Near the 900 Metres, LUCKYME was steadied away from the heels of ACE OF SPADES (W M Lai) which shifted in when not clear. W M Lai was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Passing the 800 Metres, AMBITIOUS TREASURE was momentarily crowded for room inside FLYING COLOURS which in turn was taken in slightly by POWER RETURN. At the 150 Metres, Apprentice M Chadwick (FOREST STAR) dropped his left rein. AMBITIOUS TREASURE hung out under pressure in the Straight. Throughout the race, FOREST STAR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of POWER RETURN, B Prebble stated that he was instructed not to ride his mount along in the early stages, but if possible to obtain a forward position which was hoped to be in about 4th or 5th position. He said accordingly he did not ride POWER RETURN along in the early stages, however, the horse did show natural pace and although caught wide in the early stages was eventually able to shift in to race one off the fence near the 700 Metres. He said POWER RETURN travelled very well for him until approaching the Home Turn at which point the horse came under pressure. He said in the Straight POWER RETURN hung out and despite being ridden along failed to respond. POWER RETURN was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. The Veterinary Officer said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, POWER RETURN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. PERPETIEL was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of PERPETIEL after the race did not show any significant findings. AMBITIOUS TREASURE and FLYING COLOURS were sent for sampling.