27/05/2012  Shatin  Race 10

CHAMPAGNE DAYS was withdrawn on 25.5.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, CHAMPAGNE DAYS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JIMSON THE BEST began awkwardly and bumped PEPPERMINT. Near the 1300 Metres, ANCIENT KINGDOM shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SCARLET CAMELLIA. After this, ANCIENT KINGDOM was not able to be shifted back in behind SCARLET CAMELLIA and when racing wide and without cover was allowed to stride into a more forward position after the 1200 Metres. At the 600 Metres, FUN HEROES was steadied away from the heels of XILAI XIANZI. Passing the 100 Metres, PEPPERMINT was momentarily crowded for room between XILAI XIANZI and DANZULU. When questioned, W C Marwing (HOLY MAC) stated that at its last start when successful the horse responded well to hard riding. He said in today’s race the horse responded well to his riding in the early part of the Straight, however, near the 250 Metres his whip was knocked from his grasp by the whip of C K Tong (AMITYSHIP). He said after this he was only able to ride the horse out vigorously hands and heels and it finished off the race only steadily. A veterinary inspection of HOLY MAC after the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse had lost its left hind plate. SCARLET CAMELLIA and DANZULU were sent for sampling.