19/12/2009  Shatin  Race 3

After being loaded, FIRST IN COMMAND got its front legs over the front gates and hit its head on an overhead bar. FIRST IN COMMAND then broke open the front gates of its stall and galloped riderless for a considerable distance. Acting on veterinary advice that the horse was not suitable to race, FIRST IN COMMAND was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. In this incident, FIRST IN COMMAND sustained abrasions to both front legs. Before being allowed to race again, FIRST IN COMMAND will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPREME TAIJI was slow to begin. ELITE FORTUNE, which was leaning against the outside of its stall, began awkwardly. For a short distance approaching the 900 Metres, FASCINATING SMILE was steadied away from the heels of POWER RETURN which shifted out. GUAN DAO hung out in the early and middle stages. Near the 400 Metres, SINGLE MALT was tightened for room between MIGHTY FEELING and WIN A DOZEN which shifted in slightly. Near the 350 Metres, ELITE FORTUNE was steadied away from the heels of WIND DAMPER which shifted in to obtain clear running. Near the 50 Metres, FASCINATING SMILE and NOBLE DE LAGO bumped as FASCINATING SMILE shifted in to avoid the heels of LOADS OF JOY. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LOADS OF JOY, G Mossé stated that it had been anticipated that the horse would be able to be ridden with cover behind THUNDER FLASH. He said however LOADS OF JOY began very well, showed more early speed than had been anticipated, then wanted to race fiercely throughout the early and middle stages of the race and proved difficult to settle. He said due to the manner in which LOADS OF JOY raced in the early and middle stages, it was then unable to finish off the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MIGHTY FEELING, D Whyte stated that he had been instructed to obtain cover with the horse if possible today as it was felt that it had over-raced at its only other race start. He said accordingly he attempted to shift in behind SINGLE MALT in the early stages to obtain cover behind that horse, however, when SINGLE MALT did not show speed in the early stages, he was obliged to continue to race outside of that horse. He said despite this MIGHTY FEELING travelled satisfactorily during the run, however, came under pressure near the 400 Metres and, in his opinion, was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to respond to his riding in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of THUNDER FLASH, LOADS OF LOY and MIGHTY FEELING after the race did not show any significant findings. LOADS OF JOY, WIND DAMPER and POWER RETURN were sent for sampling.