04/12/2011  Shatin  Race 1

After being loaded, GRAND GENERAL became fractious and momentarily got both front legs into the adjoining stall. GRAND GENERAL was removed from the stalls and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, GRAND GENERAL will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. FULL VERSION and SPARKLING bumped at the start. FIERCE FORCE and FORTUNE BUNNY were crowded for room shortly after the start between PLOT RATIO and BINGO KEY which shifted out. After this, BINGO KEY, despite being ridden along, was slow to muster speed. From a wide barrier, GRAND GENERAL, after blundering, was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, BINGO KEY raced in restricted room between FIERCE FORCE and PLOT RATIO which was taken in slightly by SPARKLING. Making the first turn, FORTUNE BUNNY got its head on the side and shifted out, resulting in FULL VERSION being checked when crowded for room inside AMAZING CHOICE. PRECISION MAGIC, which was following, was checked in consequence and taken wider. Approaching the 1400 Metres, BINGO KEY was checked and lost ground when crowded for room between PLOT RATIO and FIERCE FORCE, both of which shifted slight ground. In this incident, BINGO KEY blundered. As the Stewards believed there was no rider error involved, no further action was taken. Near the 700 Metres, SUPER PEPPER and SPARKLING (Z Purton) both became badly unbalanced when racing tight. This resulted in SUPER PEPPER and SPARKLING making contact on a number of occasions and causing SPARKLING to be taken out onto GREAT HERO which became unbalanced and was taken wider. Z Purton was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for his fellow riders in future. Passing the 500 Metres, FIERCE FORCE was steadied away from the heels of SPARKLING. GRAND GENERAL was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn. After being struck with the whip near the 300 Metres, BROTHERS IN ARMS became badly unbalanced and made contact with the rail. Near the 200 Metres, SPARKLING momentarily raced in restricted room between FIERCE FORCE and STORM’S DESTINY which got its head on the side and shifted out. In the Straight, GREAT HERO got its head on the side and lay out under pressure. Throughout the race, GREAT HERO travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of FULL VERSION, which finished tailed out, after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, FULL VERSION will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SPARKLING after the race revealed that the horse had sustained a cut to the right hind fetlock. Before being allowed to race again, SPARKLING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BINGO KEY had sustained a cut to the outside of the right hind fetlock. Before being allowed to race again, BINGO KEY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FORTUNE BUNNY had sustained a laceration to the right hind fetlock. BINGO KEY, SUPER PEPPER and PLOT RATIO were sent for sampling.