01/07/2011  Shatin  Race 8

CALIFORNIA CHOICE, which began awkwardly, and HELENE SPIRIT were severely checked on jumping when crowded for room between GOOD WORDS which shifted in after being bumped on the hindquarters by CALIFORNIA CHOICE and SEA THE PEARLS which was taken out by LEADING CITY. After this, GOOD WORDS was ridden along to obtain a forward position and in the early stages hung in badly. RICH UNICORN began awkwardly. From the outside barrier, TAI SING YEH was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 300 Metres, NIGHTLIGN was awkwardly placed between GOOD WORDS and LEADING CITY. B Prebble (CALIFORNIA CHOICE) momentarily dropped his left rein near the 200 Metres. Throughout the race, SHINING VICTORY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CALIFORNIA CHOICE, B Prebble stated that after being severely checked at the start, in his opinion, CALIFORNIA CHOICE did not feel balanced in its action for the remainder of the race. He said that approaching the 100 Metres CALIFORNIA CHOICE made an audible breathing noise and pulled up quickly following the race. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA CHOICE after the race revealed that the horse had made an abnormal breathing noise and an endoscopic examination confirmed the horse to be a “roarer” which had previously been reported. After the race, W C Marwing reported that at no stage of the race did FINAL ANSWER travel comfortably and it shortened stride noticeably rounding the Home Turn and in the Straight. He said for this reason he did not ride FINAL ANSWER out over the final 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of FINAL ANSWER after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GOOD WORDS after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on HEARTLINE at the request of Trainer P O’Sullivan. He said this examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. CALIFORNIA CHOICE, ABLE SPEED and RICH UNICORN were sent for sampling. <4/7/2011 Additional Veterinary Report>The Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison reported that ELITE OF CHIU TON was lame in its left hind leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, ELITE OF CHIU TON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.