28/10/2007  Happy Valley  Race 5

On jumping, EMBRACES stumbled. From the outside barrier, KAISER'S CHOIX was taken across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1200 Metres, ARROGANCE got its head up when being steadied to allow TABBRIS to cross. At the 1100 Metres, COP HILL LAD was momentarily steadied when awkwardly placed inside GALLANT KNIGHT which at this time when racing wide and without cover was endeavouring to shift in. From shortly after straightening until the 100 Metres, MEATH was not able to obtain clear running. At the 200 Metres, COP HILL LAD, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied when awkwardly placed between FREEBIRD which was giving ground and ARROGANCE which was carried out by BIG KAHUNA. Shortly after this, ARROGANCE was steadied away from the heels of BIG KAHUNA which shifted further. At the 150 Metres, MACAROON, which was closing the race off strongly, was checked to avoid the heels of FREEBIRD when unable to obtain clear running. When MACAROON checked, it got its head on the side, shifted in and caused crowding to COP HILL LAD which was checked. In the circumstances, no action was taken. Throughout the race, FREEBIRD hung out. When questioned, A Delpech (EMBRACES) said as a result of having previously ridden the horse, he has formed the opinion that it is not suited by being held up for sprint home. He said because of this despite having the opportunity to shift to the fence making the first turn, he remained racing away from the rail. He said this enabled him to follow the favourite, MEATH in the run and also would ensure that he was able to commence improving his position prior to the 400 Metres. He said shortly after entering the Back Straight MACAROON improved to his inside, however, this did not concern him. He said prior to the 400 Metres he shifted EMBRACES to a three wide position and commenced to ride his mount along. He said when being ridden in this manner, EMBRACES today performed better than it had in any of its previous runs since arriving in Hong Kong. MEATH was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. TABBRIS and COP HILL LAD were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MEATH and COP HILL LAD after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, TABBRIS was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. WAIT FOR ME and EMBRACES were sent for sampling.