09/03/2014  Shatin  Race 9

MASTER SOMMELIER began awkwardly and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of ART OF SUCCESS which was taken out by MONTE CASTELLO which in turn was taken out by SKY MAN. SUPER ABUNDANTE began awkwardly and shortly after the start became unbalanced after bumping with GLORIOUS AVENUE which shifted out after being bumped by PLENTY OF SPEED. Near the 600 Metres, GLORIOUS AVENUE got its head on the side whilst racing greenly and shifted ground. ART OF SUCCESS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ROCKET LET WIN after the 600 Metres. Near the 200 Metres, SLICK BULLET, which was held up for clear running, momentarily raced tight outside DANE PATROL which was awkwardly placed outside SKY MAN which got its head on the side and shifted ground marginally. SLICK BULLET was then unable to obtain clear running over about the final 150 Metres and consequently was not able to be properly tested. MY LITTLE FRIEND was badly held up for clear running until passing the 200 Metres. Passing the 200 Metres, ART OF SUCCESS was shifted out away from the heels of MASTER AETIUS. When questioned, C K Tong (DANE PATROL) stated that near the 700 Metres he had obtained a position on the outside rail. He said passing the 500 Metres he was unaware that DANE PATROL had drifted in slightly. He said when this occurred PURE FORCE improved quickly into tight running to the outside of DANE PATROL and he was then unable to shift back out to re-establish his position on the outside rail. He added because of this PURE FORCE was able to improve to be racing tight outside DANE PATROL for some distance prior to the 400 Metres. C K Tong was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ensure at all times that he rides his mounts in a competitive manner so as to leave no room for query. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on REAL TREAT at the request of Trainer C W Chang. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, REAL TREAT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MY LITTLE FRIEND and REAL TREAT were sent for sampling.