26/09/2007  Shatin  Race 2

When the gates opened, OPTIC KING lost its footing, blundered badly and as a consequence was very slow to begin. KING'S CHOICE began awkwardly and knuckled. GOLD GEM began awkwardly, bumped the inside gate of its stall and then despite being ridden along in the early stages failed to muster speed. SPLENDID SAILS was slow to begin. DANZIGMOUNTAIN began awkwardly. Making the turn at the 700 Metres, PRIDEOFTHEORIENT hung out. At the 600 Metres, DOUCAI went amiss and commenced to lose ground. At the 500 Metres, FASTER FASTER was checked and shifted out to avoid the heels of PRIDEOFTHEORIENT which was checked severely to avoid the heels of DOUCAI which continued to give ground. At the 400 Metres, PRIDEOFTHEORIENT was again checked severely when disappointed for running between FASTER FASTER and DOUCAI which when being eased down shifted out slightly. No action was taken. At the 300 Metres, NAMJONG SKY (M W Leung) when being ridden out shifted in and made contact with DANZIGMOUNTAIN. Because of this, M W Leung stopped riding and straightened his mount. Over about the final 200 Metres, SPLENDID SAILS was held up and unable to obtain clear running. Because of this, SPLENDID SAILS was not fully tested. Near the 100 Metres, GOLD GEM, which was closing the race off fairly, was steadied and shifted out when disappointed for running between KING'S CHOICE and MASTER YING. PRIDEOFTHEORIENT, which was following GOLD GEM, was steadied in consequence. Throughout the race, MASTER YING travelled wide and without cover and MAINLAND MASTER hung in. When questioned, Apprentice H W Lai (KING'S CHOICE) explained he had ridden the horse regularly since its arrival in Hong Kong. He said on each occasion the intention had been should the horse show sufficient pace, it should be allowed to run along in a forward position. He said in its previous starts KING'S CHOICE had not shown sufficient pace to obtain a position in the lead. He said at its most recent start despite his riding in the early stages, KING'S CHOICE travelled in a position slightly worse than midfield. He said today KING'S CHOICE began well and after being ridden along in the early stages showed greater early speed than it had in the past and because of this travelled in a forward position. D Whyte (OPTIC KING) explained after the horse began very badly, it shortly afterwards made a significant noise when being ridden along and was failing to muster speed. He said at this time it felt to him that the horse was amiss behind and because of this he did not persevere in riding OPTIC KING along. He said even when being eased down OPTIC KING continued to cause him concern with its action behind. OPTIC KING was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of OPTIC KING after the race did not show any significant findings. In the circumstances, OPTIC KING will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DOUCAI was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, DOUCAI was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was severely lame in the right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, DOUCAI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MAINLAND MASTER and MASTER YING were sent for sampling.