28/11/2010  Shatin  Race 4

On arrival at the barriers, it was noted that GLORIOUS GIANT had lost its left front plate. This plate was refitted. GLORIOUS GIANT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. OPEN SESAME began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the outside of its stall. As a result, OPEN SESAME lost ground. SUNNY SKY shifted in at the start and bumped MARIACHI. TRAVEL KING was crowded for room at the start between SOHNA which began awkwardly and shifted out and TOP DRAGON which was taken in by GLORIOUS GIANT. A short distance later, SOHNA and TRAVEL KING were steadied when racing tight between PEGASUS SUPREME and TOP DRAGON which was taken in by GLORIOUS GIANT which shifted in after becoming unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by TOP DRAGON. Passing the 1300 Metres, STAR LEGEND was steadied away from the heels of WIN A DOZEN (T Angland) which shifted in. Then passing the 1200 Metres, TOP DRAGON was also steadied to avoid the heels of WIN A DOZEN which shifted in when not properly clear. In respect of the incident involving STAR LEGEND, T Angland was reprimanded. In respect of the incident involving TOP DRAGON, T Angland was severely reprimanded and advised that he must ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. For some distance passing the 900 Metres, TOP DRAGON got its head up and proved difficult to settle when being checked away from the heels of CITY DRAGON. Rounding the Home Turn, JUST GOOD was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TRAVEL KING which at this time shifted out to improve. Passing the 300 Metres, MARIACHI got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly. From the 200 Metres until near the 50 Metres, JUST GOOD was held up and unable to obtain clear running. Throughout the race, STAR LEGEND travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TOP DRAGON, Y T Cheng stated that, in his opinion, the horse was not suited by coming back in distance to the 1400 Metres of today’s race. He said at its most recent start over 1600 Metres, the horse had been able to lead and had raced well. He said today other horses showed superior speed to TOP DRAGON in the early stages and he was obliged to race behind the leaders. He said, in his opinion, this did not suit TOP DRAGON and accordingly the horse was not able to close off the race as it had done when it was able to be ridden in front at its recent starts. A veterinary inspection of TOP DRAGON after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of PEGASUS SUPREME after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. TOP DRAGON, SOHNA and OPEN SESAME were sent for sampling. <29/11/2010Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that GLORIOUS GIANT was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, GLORIOUS GIANT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.