23/03/2011  Shatin  Race 2

After being loaded, FUJIAN EMPEROR became fractious, reared on a number of occasions and sat down. FUJIAN EMPEROR was removed from the barriers and inspected by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, FUJIAN EMPEROR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. FUJIAN EMPEROR began awkwardly and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of LUCKY BOY. EPATANT began awkwardly. FIERCE FORCE was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, HAPPY SCORE and CHEETAH BOY momentarily raced in restricted room between HAR HAR CHARMS and ALL THE WINNERS which shifted in. From a wide barrier, WELL NOTED was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 900 Metres, WELL NOTED was steadied away from the heels of LUCKY TYCOON which shifted out after being bumped by FUJIAN EMPEROR. After this, FUJIAN EMPEROR travelled wide and without cover. Making the first turn near the 700 Metres, FIERCE FORCE became unbalanced and shifted out and in doing so made contact with HAPPY SCORE which itself became unbalanced and was checked away from the heels of LUCKY BOY. LUCKY TYCOON, which was following, was hampered in consequence. For some distance after the 150 Metres, WELL NOTED was steadied when held up for clear running behind ALL THE WINNERS which was giving ground. In the Straight, FORTUNE SPIRIT got its head on the side and hung out. Throughout the race and particularly in the Home Straight, CHEETAH BOY got its head on the side and lay out. When questioned regarding the performance of CITY DRAGON, J Lloyd stated that he had been instructed to try and position CITY DRAGON outside the lead. He said despite being ridden along in the early stages, the horse did not show sufficient speed to obtain as forward a position as hoped. He said after the 700 Metres CITY DRAGON was left racing three wide and without cover and at this time came off the bridle. He said CITY DRAGON was one-paced in the Straight until inside the final 100 Metres at which point the horse weakened. He added that, in his opinion, the horse’s performance could be attributed to the wide run. A veterinary inspection of ALL THE WINNERS, LUCKY BOY and CITY DRAGON after the race did not show any significant findings. CITY DRAGON, CHEETAH BOY and FORTUNE SPIRIT were sent for sampling. <24/3/2011 Additional Veterinary Report>CITY DRAGON, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. CITY DRAGON was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer J Moore this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in the left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, CITY DRAGON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.