09/04/2011  Shatin  Race 8

KINGSTON SAMBA, which was fractious in the barriers, began awkwardly and consequently was slow to begin. COMMON GOAL was slow to begin and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of DIAMOND KNIGHT which shifted out. Shortly after the start, MAELSTROM was steadied away from the heels of FAIR NAVIGATOR which was taken out by ETERNAL BEAUTY. Near the 700 Metres, DIAMOND ANGEL became unbalanced and was checked when crowded for room outside of SHAHJEE (M W Leung) which shifted out away from XI YING MEN. M W Leung was advised in similar circumstances to make every effort to prevent his mount from shifting ground. Over the final 400 Metres, ETERNAL BEAUTY got its head on the side and hung out and near the 150 Metres shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of CHARITY SPIRIT. Over the final 50 Metres, SEA PRINCE was awkwardly placed towards the heels of SHAHJEE. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FAIR NAVIGATOR, G Cheyne stated that after being bumped by ETERNAL BEAUTY shortly after the start, FAIR NAVIGATOR immediately came off the bridle and did not travel in today’s race as it did at its previous start. He said today’s race was run at a quick tempo and because of this FAIR NAVIGATOR was never able to travel and was under pressure after the 400 Metres to hold its position. He said after this, despite being ridden along, FAIR NAVIGATOR did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. He added at its most recent start which was run in much slower time than today’s race, FAIR NAVIGATOR was able to travel comfortably throughout the race. A veterinary inspection of FAIR NAVIGATOR after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of DANE PATROL after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. XI YING MEN, ETERNAL BEAUTY and CHARITY SPIRIT were sent for sampling.