07/11/2009  Shatin  Race 1

PERFECT GEAR broke through the front gates prior to the start being effected. It was quickly restrained and returned to the Start. PERFECT GEAR was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT GEAR will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. WONDERFUL DOLPHIN began very awkwardly and shifted in abruptly, resulting in MORE THAN YOU WISH being hampered. As a result, both WONDERFUL DOLPHIN and MORE THAN YOU WISH lost ground at the start. CLASSA FOR EVER shifted out abruptly at the start. Shortly after the start, ST DIDAR and BET ON ME bumped as a result of being crowded for room between NATIVE KID which shifted out and GENERAL DANROAD. Passing the 400 Metres, GLENEALY VIKING was momentarily held up for clear running behind SOLITAIRE and inside CLASSA FOR EVER which was giving ground. Passing the 300 Metres, MANDARIN hung out. At the 50 Metres, SOLITAIRE was accidentally hit across the nose by the whip of B Prebble (PERFECT GEAR). When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GENERAL DANROAD, which was having its first race start in Hong Kong today, O Doleuze stated that, although it raced greenly, the horse travelled satisfactorily until the 400 Metres, however, at this point came off the bit and then did not stretch out as anticipated. He said GENERAL DANROAD was disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground over the concluding stages of the race. A veterinary inspection of GENERAL DANROAD after the race did not show any significant findings. MANDARIN, ST DIDAR and NATIVE KID were sent for sampling.