19/12/2009  Shatin  Race 6

MY BOY was slow to begin. Near the 1100 Metres, MY BOY was checked when crowded for room between PRECISION MAGIC and SPEED RACER which, after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of REDOUTE STAR, shifted out. Near the 850 Metres, CLOSERTOBELIEVING (W Pike) blundered and nearly fell after striking the heels of MATSUKAZE. W Pike was advised to ensure he does not travel too close to runners in front. REDOUTE STAR, which was racing outside and behind CLOSERTOBELIEVING, was hampered in consequence. For some distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, AMAZING JOURNEY was disappointed for running between PRECISION MAGIC and SILVER BLAZE, both of which shifted ground slightly. After obtaining clear running near the 150 Metres, AMAZING JOURNEY then hung in, proved difficult to ride and was not able to be tested as it normally would be. SUPER GENTLEMAN hung out throughout the early and middle stages and for this reason travelled wide and without cover throughout. A veterinary inspection of MY BOY, which finished tailed out, revealed the horse had blood present at the right nostril. However, an endoscopic examination of the horse showed no blood to be present in the trachea, therefore the horse was not deemed to have bled. The performance of MY BOY was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MY 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. A veterinary inspection of THE RIFLE and PRECISION MAGIC after the race did not show any significant findings. THE RIFLE, HAPPY SEVEN and SILVER BLAZE were sent for sampling.