12/02/2011  Shatin  Race 10

Just prior to entering the track, VIGOR DELIGHT became fractious and lost its right hind plate. VIGOR DELIGHT proceeded to the barriers where it was replated. A veterinary examination of VIGOR DELIGHT found the horse to be suitable to race. MING HOI TREASURE and VIGOR DELIGHT were slow to begin. KING AL AKBAR, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, began awkwardly. Near the 850 Metres, FOREVER ELATION became unbalanced after bumping with DRAGON FIGHTER. Near the 700 Metres, TAILWIND became unbalanced and shifted out. At this time, EXPRESS WIN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TAILWIND. JERRY MAGUIRE, which was following, was hampered in consequence. Near the 150 Metres, JERRY MAGUIRE was steadied when disappointed for running between MING HOI TREASURE and TAILWIND. Throughout the race, DANZULU travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of KING AL AKBAR, N Callan stated that approaching the first turn KING AL AKBAR proved difficult to settle and was steadied away from the heels of ST FEVRE. He said however that passing the 800 Metres he was able to get the horse to come back underneath him and the horse then commenced to travel more satisfactorily. He added that near the 700 Metres KING AL AKBAR again commenced to over-race and had to be checked away from the heels of ST FEVRE. He said that, in his opinion, due to the manner in which KING AL AKBAR travelled in the middle stages, the horse was then not able to close off the race in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of KING AL AKBAR after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, D Beadman stated that after being loaded CAPTAIN SWEET became very fractious, lunged and made heavy contact with the front gates. He said shortly after the start he looked down at CAPTAIN SWEET as he was concerned that the horse may have injured itself when it made contact with the front gates. He said in the early stages he observed DRAGON FIGHTER being ridden positively to obtain a forward position and he felt that at this time DRAGON FIGHTER would hold the lead with FLYING BLUE to that horse’s outside. He said after obtaining the fence, DRAGON FIGHTER allowed FLYING BLUE to cross which resulted in CAPTAIN SWEET racing one position further back in the race than had been intended. He added that near the 700 Metres CAPTAIN SWEET became badly unbalanced when bumped heavily on the hindquarters by EASY WINNER (Apprentice T H So) which improved inside CAPTAIN SWEET where there was insufficient room. In respect of this incident which resulted in EASY WINNER being checked, Apprentice So was advised to ensure that there is sufficient room when attempting to take runs in the future. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CAPTAIN SWEET had sustained a minor cut to the mouth and had loosened a temporary incisor tooth. FLYING BLUE and CAPTAIN SWEET were sent for sampling.