17/10/2009  Shatin  Race 1

PERFECT FIT (Y T Cheng), which was very fractious in the barriers, put its head down as the gates were released and consequently lost ground. Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT FIT will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. Y T Cheng stated that after this PERFECT FIT was obliged to race further back than had been anticipated and because the horse did not suit to be ridden in this manner, it then did not finish off the race. MORNING GREEN was slow to begin. Near the 350 Metres, TOPPING LIGHT shifted in, resulting in MANDARIN being momentarily steadied and shifted out. MORNING GREEN, which was following MANDARIN, was hampered in consequence. Then near the 50 Metres, MORNING GREEN was awkwardly placed near the heels of MANDARIN when that horse shifted in slightly. When questioned, B Doyle (EXTRA SPECIAL) stated that, as the horse has been missing the start and getting out of its ground, he was instructed to try and have EXTRA SPECIAL begin well and obtain a position in midfield or slightly behind if possible. He said accordingly he rode EXTRA SPECIAL along out of the barriers to try and take up a position, the horse travelled well throughout the run, however, was only one-paced in the run to the finish. A veterinary inspection of EXTRA SPECIAL and PERFECT FIT after the race did not show any significant findings. MORNING GREEN, TOPPING LIGHT and MANDARIN were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PAPAS had sustained a wound to its left hind coronet.