15/09/2007  Shatin  Race 5

STRIKING MASCOT and BAJAN BELL were slow to begin. Near the 1000 Metres, HAPPY GO LAGO, which was proving difficult to settle, was awkwardly placed inside the heels of FULL BLESSINGS. In the Straight, FIRST KNIGHT hung in and because of this the bit pulled through to the left side of the horse's mouth. G Mossé (LUCKY DRAGON) said he had not been issued firm riding instructions for the horse. He said because of the manner in which today's track was racing, from a reasonable barrier and in what was a race which he believed there would only be one leader, he felt it would be in the best interest of LUCKY DRAGON to be ridden in a forward position if possible. He said LUCKY DRAGON began well, he immediately went forward on the horse, then near the 1200 Metres endeavoured to steady to take up a position behind SOLAR EMPIRE. He said when he did this, LUCKY DRAGON commenced to over-race and would not settle for him. Mr A Lee, the trainer of LUCKY DRAGON, confirmed as G Mossé has ridden the horse on several occasions in the past, he did not issue him with any firm riding instructions. He did say he was not surprise to see LUCKY DRAGON travel into a forward position as the horse was racing first up today. He said in his opinion LUCKY DRAGON performs best when it relaxes in its races. Mr Lee was reminded of his responsibilities to have horses trained by him to be ridden consistently where possible. FULL BLESSINGS and HAPPY GO LAGO were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FULL BLESSINGS after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, HAPPY GO LAGO was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse had an intermittent displacement of the soft palate. BAJAN BELL and MOONGLOW were sent for sampling.