10/07/2011  Shatin  Race 9

On arrival at the Start, Z Purton expressed concern over the action of EUPHEMISM. The Veterinary Officer reported that after trotting up EUPHEMISM and after making the necessary consultations that the horse was suitable to race. An examination of EUPHEMISM after the race did not reveal any significant findings. When parading behind the barriers, CITY KING became fractious, resulting in its rider, Apprentice K C Ng, being dislodged. CITY KING was quickly recaptured and took its place in the field. Before being allowed to race again, CITY KING will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. SUPER GOAL BOY was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, MASTER KEY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 650 Metres, SUPER GOAL BOY commenced to over-race and was steadied away from the heels of ROMA THUNDER. Near the 500 Metres, VIVA FIGHTER and FAY FAY bumped. After the 400 Metres, MASTER KEY (Apprentice K C Leung) became badly unbalanced when heavily bumped by SUPREME FLIGHT which was taken out by WEALTH PARK which in turn was taken out by ROMA THUNDER which, after improving quickly into a tight run between WEALTH PARK and CHAMPAGNE DAYS (W C Marwing), was taken out by CHAMPAGNE DAYS. In this incident, Apprentice Leung became badly unbalanced in the saddle and ROMA THUNDER, WEALTH PARK and SUPREME FLIGHT also became badly unbalanced. W C Marwing was advised that whilst the Stewards acknowledged that when he initially looked to his outside at the entrance to the Straight that ROMA THUNDER had not improved its position to be racing to the outside of CHAMPAGNE DAYS, nonetheless he should have exercised far more care than he did when shifting ground on this occasion. In the circumstances, W C Marwing was severely reprimanded. Throughout the race, VIVA FIGHTER travelled wide and without cover. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SUPER GOAL BOY had lost its left front plate. A veterinary inspection of CROWN WITNESS and CITY KING after the race did not show any significant findings. SMART GIANT and FAY FAY were sent for sampling.