17/03/2013  Shatin  Race 2

PRONOUNCED HONOUR began awkwardly and lost ground. From wide barriers, FIERY RAIDER and GOLDEN GUNNERS were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, MAJESTIC ANTHEM was steadied away from the heels of MIGHTY EQUUS which shifted in. Passing the 900 Metres, BEAR SUPREME was steadied away from the heels of GLACIER BLUE which shifted in. Passing the 700 Metres, MAJESTIC ANTHEM commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BEAR SUPREME. After the 700 Metres and again approaching the 500 Metres, SPICY SHRIMP, despite the efforts of its rider, got its head on the side and lay out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUNSHINE KID. After the 400 Metres, HEARTLAND, which was shifting out to obtain clear running, was momentarily crowded for room between SUNSHINE KID and SPICY SHRIMP which shifted in slightly. In this incident, HEARTLAND made contact with the hindquarter of SPICY SHRIMP which became unbalanced. MAJESTIC ANTHEM was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 300 Metres. Approaching the 200 Metres, NIGHTLIGN got it head on the side and shifted out away from the heels of GOLDEN GUNNERS, resulting in it being steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPICY SHRIMP for a short distance. Passing the 200 Metres, GOLDEN GUNNERS and SUNSHINE KID bumped. Passing the 100 Metres, BEAR SUPREME, which was giving ground, was steadied away from the heels of MAJESTIC ANTHEM (G Mossé) which shifted out into clear running Whilst acknowledging that MAJESTIC ANTHEM was having its first race start today, G Mossé was nonetheless advised to ensure that he exercises care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. For the majority of the race, MR GNOCCHI travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, K C Leung stated that it had been intended for BOBO DRAGON to be ridden in a forward position as it was at its only other race start. He said prior to the race BOBO DRAGON became more stirred up than it was last start and after being placed in the barriers became fractious. He said when the start was effected BOBO DRAGON lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently did not begin as well as had been hoped. He said shortly after the start MIGHTY EQUUS shifted in from his outside and because of this he was not able to ride BOBO DRAGON into a forward position. He said these factors resulted in BOBO DRAGON travelling much further back in the field than had been intended. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PRONOUNCED HONOUR had sustained a cut to the right front pastern. A veterinary inspection of MIGHTY EQUUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GLACIER BLUE, HEARTLAND and BOBO DRAGON were sent for sampling.