10/01/2010  Shatin  Race 7

KILDARE began awkwardly. Between the 400 Metres and the 100 Metres, HIGH POINT got its head on the side, hung in and was reluctant to improve to the outside of BLAZE KING. For the major part of the race, OUR LUCKY BABY hung in and proved difficult to ride. J Lloyd (NIGHTLIGN) stated that he had been instructed to ride the horse where it was comfortable but not to make use of the horse in the early stages. He said NIGHTLIGN began well and he shifted across behind BLAZE KING with a view to following that horse if possible. He said approaching the 800 Metres when racing to the outside of HIGH POINT, he was obliged to steady NIGHTLIGN when crowded for room between BRILLIANT CHAPTER which shifted out slightly and HIGH POINT which shifted in away from the heels of BLAZE KING. He said due to this NIGHTLIGN travelled further back in the field than had been hoped. He said however, after this, NIGHTLIGN travelled well and after being obliged to be ridden in this manner was able to finish off the race strongly. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BLAZE KING, B Prebble stated that the horse travelled kindly until the 500 Metres at which time it came under pressure. He said over the final 200 Metres BLAZE KING made an abnormal breathing noise and pulled up quickly following the race. A veterinary inspection of BLAZE KING after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, BLAZE KING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BLAZE KING, CRAIG’S DRAGON and NIGHTLIGN were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FRIENDLY GAINS had lost its right front plate.