26/09/2010  Shatin  Race 7

PERFECT FIT was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, MASTER GUNNER raced tight between FIVE CLUBS and FLYING COLOURS. Near the 700 Metres, PERFECT FIT shifted out after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of ONE WEE ACORN. After this, PERFECT FIT raced in restricted room between ONE WEE ACORN and CENTURY SUPER STAR and near the 400 Metres became unbalanced and was steadied. MASTER GUNNER made the first turn after the 700 Metres awkwardly. At the entrance to the Straight, MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP was checked away from the heels of SMART CHOICE and shifted out to improve. MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP was then held up for clear running until passing the 200 Metres. Near the 150 Metres, TEAM WORK was checked and MASTER GUNNER crowded for room between CENTURY SUPER STAR and FLYING CHINA (Apprentice T H So) which shifted out slightly after making contact with MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP. Apprentice So was advised that whilst the Stewards were of the view that FLYING CHINA’s shift had not been a great one and had occurred after making contact with MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP, nonetheless he was told to ensure that he makes every effort to keep his mounts on a straight course. PERFECT FIT, which was following TEAM WORK, was checked in consequence. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in as they were of the view that an incident occurred passing the 150 Metres which cast doubt on whether MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP should be declared the winner. The Stewards found that at this point MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP and FLYING CHINA made contact as a result of MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP shifting out after being held up for clear running and FLYING CHINA, which had also been held up behind TEAM WORK, being directed to the inside of the heels of that horse. As the Stewards were of the view that there was movement from both horses and that, in any event, the consequential effects of the contact did not have any bearing on the finishing positions of the horses at the end of the race, weighed-in was semaphored on the Judge’s placings. It should be noted that Apprentice So did not lodge a protest/objection. Passing the 100 Metres, MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP was checked away from the heels of ONE WEE ACORN when held up for clear running behind that horse. Over the concluding stages, FLYING CHINA shifted out and bumped CENTURY SUPER STAR. Throughout the race, TEAM WORK travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of SMART CHOICE after the race showed that the horse had bled from both nostrils. SMART CHOICE, MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP and FLYING CHINA were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ONE WEE ACORN had sustained a cut to its left hind heel and had lost its left hind plate. Before being allowed to race again, ONE WEE ACORN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. <27/9/2010 Additional Veterinary Reports > The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that PERFECT FIT had a swollen right front fetlock on the morning after racing.