19/12/2009  Shatin  Race 2

LIGHTNING MOUNT and CLASSIC KING bumped at the start. GENERAL POWER began awkwardly and then shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of HEALTHY CONTENDER which shifted in. GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped FISHKING EXCELLENT. Shortly after the 400 Metres, EAST RIDER shifted out, resulting in FISHKING EXCELLENT being taken out onto the hindquarters of RAIN OF THUNDER which became unbalanced. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FISHKING EXCELLENT, J Lloyd stated that, from barrier 12, he was instructed to have the horse racing behind the leaders with cover. He said that due to runners being positioned to his inside, he was unable to obtain cover and raced three wide throughout. He said rounding the Home Turn EAST RIDER was able to shift out to his inside and after this FISHKING EXCELLENT commenced to give ground. He added despite his riding FISHKING EXCELLENT along in the early part of the Straight, the horse weakened out of the race. He said, in his opinion, FISHKING EXCELLENT is a limited galloper and, as was the case at its most recent start, requires cover to produce its best. A veterinary inspection of FISHKING EXCELLENT and CLASSIC KING after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of COVER BOY, which compounded in the Straight, including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of COVER BOY was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, COVER BOY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. RAIN OF THUNDER and LUCKY MONEY STAR were sent for sampling. <21/12/2009 Additional Veterinary Report> CLASSIC KING, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. CLASSIC KING was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer T K Ng yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, CLASSIC KING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.