07/11/2009  Shatin  Race 8

SUNNY KING jumped very awkwardly, resulting in its rider, D Beadman, becoming unbalanced in the saddle. SPECIAL DAYS began awkwardly and lost ground. J Lloyd (FLEET COMMAND) was reprimanded for allowing his mount to shift in across the rightful running of tiring DREAM TEAM near the 150 Metres, resulting in that horse being steadied. Throughout the race, EXPRESS WIN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of KINGS FALCON, W C Marwing stated that he was instructed to ride the horse, which was coming back in distance from 1800 Metres to 1400 Metres today, in a position with cover as the horse has demonstrated in the past that it is difficult to settle when unable to find cover. He said when being shifted across behind runners after the start, KINGS FALCON clipped the heels of EXPRESS WIN approaching the 1200 Metres and blundered. He said he then rebalanced KINGS FALCON and shifted to a position on the fence at the rear of the field, however, KINGS FALCON then wanted to lay in with him in the early and middle stages. He added that at the top of the Straight he elected to shift out and attempt a run between NOBLE CONQUEROR and SUNNY KING, however, he was obliged to steady KINGS FALCON when disappointed for that running due to NOBLE CONQUEROR shifting out. He said he immediately directed KINGS FALCON to the inside of NOBLE CONQUEROR and commenced to ride his mount along vigorously hands and heels, however, he noted that there were a number of runners in advance of KINGS FALCON and anticipated that he would have difficulty in obtaining clear running. He said near the 150 Metres KINGS FALCON had improved its position to be racing behind GALEN WIN and inside TERRIFIC BRETHREN which was shifting ground when weakening. He advised he was then held up for some distance behind GALEN WIN and although he was able to recommence riding the horse along, KINGS FALCON never properly obtained clear running in the run to the line. W C Marwing was advised that his explanation would be reported. A veterinary inspection of DREAM TEAM after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. WHILE JADE and FLEET COMMAND were sent for sampling.