15/01/2012  Shatin  Race 5

SEASONS CREST was slow to begin. TWIN TURBO shifted in at the start and bumped SOHNA, causing both horses to become unbalanced. EUPHEMISM was slow to begin and shortly after the start was crowded for room between KINGS DOMAIN and BILLION GAINS which shifted in. Making the first turn, KINGS DOMAIN got its head up and proved difficult to settle when awkwardly placed close to the heels of TWIN TURBO. SOHNA had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Throughout the race, LINKED WIN and CHINA DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Z Purton stated that at the entrance to the Home Straight he shifted FOLLOW THE WIND to the outside of BILLION GAINS when disappointed for running between that horse and HONEY FORTUNE. He said after being shifted to the outside of BILLION GAINS, FOLLOW THE WIND lay in and took some time to get balanced. He said BILLION GAINS, which was racing to his inside, shifted out after the 300 Metres which continued to make it difficult for him to balance FOLLOW THE WIND. He said when BILLION GAINS straightened approaching the 200 Metres, he was able to use the whip in the backhand manner on a number of occasions on FOLLOW THE WIND and the horse commenced to close off well. He added however that FOLLOW THE WIND continued to lay in when struck with the whip and after the 100 Metres he changed the whip over into his right hand. He said despite this FOLLOW THE WIND continued to lay in and near the 50 Metres shifted in towards SOLDIER. Z Purton was advised that his riding of FOLLOW THE WIND in the Straight and in particular his lack of vigour on that horse had come under notice and that he must ride his mounts in such a fashion to ensure that it is not open to query. A veterinary inspection of HONEY FORTUNE and KINGS DOMAIN after the race did not show any significant findings. TWIN TURBO, G-ONE WINNING and SOHNA were sent for sampling. <16/1/2012 Additional Veterinary Report>KINGS DOMAIN, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. KINGS DOMAIN was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A Schutz this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in the left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, KINGS DOMAIN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.