04/11/2009  Shatin  Race 8

GREAT LAND’S STAR was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, STILTON was crowded for room between SMART CHOICE and NEEDLES AND THREAD which shifted in. Near the 1200 Metres, GREAT HERO got its head up and lost ground when checked away from the heels of GOLDEN TREASURE. MAGIC TEMPLE, STILTON, AMAZING CHOICE and GREAT LAND’S STAR, which were following, were checked in consequence. Near the 450 Metres, GOLDEN TREASURE was severely checked to avoid the heels of GOLD WINNER which commenced to weaken back through the field. GREAT HERO, which was following GOLDEN TREASURE, was severely checked in consequence and MAGIC TEMPLE, which in turn was following GREAT HERO, was checked and shifted out away from the heels of that horse. GOLD WINNER continued to give ground in the Straight and finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of GOLD WINNER after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of GOLD WINNER was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GOLD WINNER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. At the entrance to the Straight, SUPER GENKI shifted out and bumped TOP HONOR, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. When questioned, W M Lai (SMART CHOICE) stated that he followed MIGHTY SUN throughout the early stages of the race. He said that passing the 1200 Metres when the leading division increased the tempo, MIGHTY SUN was able to establish a break on SMART CHOICE and at the same time he felt that there was an opportunity to shift across to race on the fence as he did not think that GREAT HERO, which had been racing to his inside, was going to maintain that position. He said due to MIGHTY SUN establishing a break on SMART CHOICE, NEEDLES AND THREAD, which had been racing in a three wide position, was able to shift in front of SMART CHOICE passing the 1000 Metres. W M Lai was advised that his riding at this stage of the race had come under notice and that in similar circumstances he would be expected to make every endeavour to maintain a favourable position on his mounts. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN TREASURE and GREAT HERO after the race did not show any significant findings. GOLDEN TREASURE, NEEDLES AND THREAD and MIGHTY SUN were sent for sampling.