11/10/2009  Shatin  Race 3

In the early stages, SUPER GENKI was caught wide and without cover and passing the 1200 Metres was allowed to stride forward to eventually race near the lead. An inquiry into the reason for Apprentice M Chadwick, the rider of GALLANT CHAMPION, being dislodged from the horse near the 200 Metres was adjourned until a date to be fixed as the Stewards were unable to interview Apprentice Chadwick who was transported to hospital. Near the 100 Metres, SLEEP WELL was steadied when crowded for room between CLASSIC REUNION which shifted out and AMAZING JOURNEY which was taken in slightly by MONTE CRISTO. Then near the 50 Metres, CLASSIC REUNION and AMAZING JOURNEY were steadied when crowded for room between SUPER GENKI which shifted out slightly and MONTE CRISTO (O Doleuze) which shifted in when being ridden with the whip. O Doleuze was reprimanded and advised to make every effort to keep his mounts in a straight course in the future. When questioned regarding the improved performance of MERIDIAN PRIDE, Trainer A Lee said that the horse, in his opinion, had benefited from the step up to the 1600 Metres of today’s race as compared to the 1200 Metres of its first up run this season. He said that as instanced in the Stewards’ report, on that occasion the horse travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. However, he said the principal reason for the improved performance was the fact that MERIDIAN PRIDE was able to lead in a slowly run race today which benefited the horse greatly. A veterinary inspection of GALLANT CHAMPION after the race revealed the horse was lame in its right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, GALLANT CHAMPION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of CLASSIC REUNION after the race did not show any significant findings. GALLANT CHAMPION, MERIDIAN PRIDE and MONTE CRISTO were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SLEEP WELL had lost its right hind plate.