30/05/2010  Shatin  Race 3

Whilst in the saddling stalls, it was noted that CHAMPAGNE DAYS had lost its right hind plate. This plate was refitted. CHAMPAGNE DAYS was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. On arrival at the Start, it was noted that SLEEP WELL had lost its left hind plate. This plate was refitted. SLEEP WELL was examined by the Veterinary Officer and found suitable to race. JUST FANTASTIC was slow to begin. THAT`S IT stumbled at the start. From the outside barrier, GENERAL DANROAD was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, CHAMPAGNE DAYS was tightened for room between HEXAGON and GUAN DAO, both of which shifted ground. Near the 900 Metres, THAT`S IT was steadied away from the heels of PAPAS (C K Tong) which shifted in when not properly clear. C K Tong was reprimanded and advised to be sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. In this incident, THAT`S IT bumped CHAMPAGNE DAYS, resulting in that horse shifting in, causing HEXAGON, which was following, to be steadied. Passing the 700 Metres, GENERAL DANROAD got its head up on a number of occasions when being checked away from the heels of HEXAGON. In this incident, GENERAL DANROAD shifted out and bumped STAR LEGEND. HEXAGON hung out rounding the Home Turn. After the 200 Metres, VINTAGE HUSSLER got its head on the side and lay out under pressure. Throughout the race, HOT PEPPER and THAT`S IT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice C Y Ho advised that he had been instructed to try and obtain the box seat position with cover on GUAN DAO. He said after allowing WIN WIN CHARMS to cross GUAN DAO in the early stages of the race, GUAN DAO was then reluctant to maintain its position on the back of WIN WIN CHARMS despite him riding the horse along. He said after the 800 Metres GUAN DAO continued to give ground despite his efforts and rounding the Home Turn hung out badly. He said in the Straight GUAN DAO did not respond to his riding and, in his opinion, had not handled today`s track conditions. A veterinary inspection of STAR LEGEND and GUAN DAO after the race did not show any significant findings. PAPAS and WIN WIN CHARMS were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SLEEP WELL had sustained a cut to its right hind coronet.