08/05/2010  Shatin  Race 1

EXTRA SPECIAL began awkwardly and shortly after the start was bumped by SUPER FAMILY which shifted in. Despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, SUPER FAMILY failed to muster speed and then near the 800 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 1300 Metres, FORTUNE KING and SEIZE THE DAY were awkwardly placed inside SIMPLY JOY (M Du Plessis) which shifted in at an acute angle. M Du Plessis was warned against the practice of shifting in in such a manner. Passing the 1200 Metres, COOL CAT shifted out away from the heels of ZERO GRAVITY, resulting in LEAD THE PROSPECTS being taken out. SUPER FAMILY, which was following and racing to the outside of LEAD THE PROSPECTS, was hampered in consequence. Near the 850 Metres, ZERO GRAVITY and COOL CAT raced tight inside FORTUNE KING which itself was taken in by SEIZE THE DAY (Y T Cheng) which shifted in when not quite clear. Y T Cheng was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. LEAD THE PROSPECTS, which was following COOL CAT, was steadied in consequence. For the majority of the Straight, NICE KING got its head on the side and lay in. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of EXTRA SPECIAL, W C Marwing was unable to offer any explanation for the horse’s poor run. He said as is usual, EXTRA SPECIAL got back in its race, however, at no stage of today’s event did EXTRA SPECIAL travel well and in the Straight did not respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of EXTRA SPECIAL after the race did not show any significant findings. COOL CAT and GREAT UNITY were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that EXCELLENT ELITE had lost its left hind plate. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that EXCELLENT ELITE was displaying heat stress on return to the stable after the race. Before being allowed to race again, EXCELLENT ELITE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.