25/10/2009  Shatin  Race 2

BATURO, which was restless in the barriers, reared up as the gates opened and then landed awkwardly, resulting in its rider, Y T Cheng, becoming unbalanced in the saddle. Before being allowed to race again, BATURO will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. Passing the 1800 Metres, DASH AHEAD was steadied when crowded for room between GALLANT MASTER and BATURO which, when over-racing, shifted in when being checked away from the heels of FANTASTIC GUY. In this incident, BATURO bumped GREEN GLORY which became unbalanced. Near the 1600 Metres, GALLANT MASTER was checked away from the heels of SUPREME DRAGON which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FANTASTIC DANCER. Shortly after entering the Straight, BATURO was steadied away from the heels of FORTUNE DRAGON which shifted out. Passing the 400 Metres, SUPREME DRAGON became unbalanced when momentarily crowded for room inside GREAT SHOW which shifted in when tiring. The performance of OCTAGONAL CANYON, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, OCTAGONAL CANYON will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Throughout the race, FANTASTIC GUY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, C Williams (FORTUNE DRAGON) stated that throughout the middle stages of the race he followed GREAT SHOW. He said he noticed that on a number of occasions that horse was allowed to improve its position in a manner which indicated to him that rider of the horse was looking to lead the race. He said however that GREAT SHOW was not able to obtain sufficient clearance to shift in front of OCTAGONAL CANYON and therefore remained racing outside that horse. He said having in mind the form of GREAT SHOW, the fact that it had done some work in the run and the fact that he had not made any use of FORTUNE DRAGON in the race to that point, he elected to shift to the outside of GREAT SHOW passing the 800 Metres rather than allow FANTASTIC GUY, which was racing to his outside, the opportunity to improve which would have had resulted in FORTUNE DRAGON being held up when GREAT SHOW weakened as he anticipated it would. A veterinary inspection of GIVE WELL after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, GIVE WELL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FORTUNE DRAGON, GALLANT MASTER and FANTASTIC GUY were sent for sampling.