06/10/2011  Happy Valley  Race 6

FINN MACCOOL was slow to begin. From wide barriers, ANCIENT KINGDOM and ISLAND SUPER were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, STAR OF FAME was steadied when crowded for room between MASTER GUNNER and MY HOME TOWN which was taken in by MONEYMAKER which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. In this incident, MASTER GUNNER became unbalanced when bumped by STAR OF FAME. After being steadied to obtain a position with cover approaching the 1000 Metres, SURFER BOY was left racing wide and without cover when MY HOME TOWN improved its position to its inside after the 1000 Metres. Then after the 700 Metres, SURFER BOY remained racing wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, STAR OF FAME was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FINN MACCOOL when being shifted to the outside of that horse. ISLAND SUPER had difficulty obtaining clear running over the final 200 Metres. Near the 150 Metres, MANY GAINS was hampered by SURFER BOY which shifted in when commencing to give ground. When being corrected, SURFER BOY shifted out, resulting in ANCIENT KINGDOM being checked out away from the heels of that horse. In the Straight, MY HOME TOWN got its head on the side and lay out. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ISLAND SUPER had lost its left front plate. A veterinary inspection of FINN MACCOOL after the race revealed the horse to have blood at the right nostril, however, an endoscopic examination confirmed that FINN MACCOOL had not bled. MONEYMAKER, MASTER GUNNER and STAR OF FAME were sent for sampling. <7/10/2011 Additional Veterinary Report> The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that ANCIENT KINGDOM had sustained multiple wounds to its forelimbs and upper forehead due to an incident inside the horse float on return to the Sha Tin Racecourse after last night’s race meeting. Before being allowed to race again, ANCIENT KINGDOM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.