01/12/2007  Shatin  Race 6

NOBLE TWINS began awkwardly. From the outside barrier, LUCKY CHAMPION was taken across behind runners. Shortly after entering the Back Straight, COURAGEOUSHEART was steadied away from the heels of BAJAN BELL. At the 600 Metres, SOUNDS FANTASTIC was steadied away from the heels of DANESIS (B Prebble) which shifted in when not properly clear. B Prebble was advised to exercise greater care. At the 200 Metres, when giving ground BAJAN BELL shifted in towards the rail and became unbalanced. In the Straight, VICTORY TREASURE hung in. Throughout the race, PRESENT TREASURE travelled wide and without cover and in the middle stages hung out. The performances of MULTO EXPRESSO, PRESENT TREASURE and NOBLE TWINS, which tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MULTO EXPRESSO, PRESENT TREASURE and NOBLE TWINS will all be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. G Boss, the rider of the 4th placegetter, VICTORY TREASURE, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts out right to the end of the race where circumstances permit. B Prebble explained his mount began awkwardly, became badly unbalanced behind and as a consequence lost ground. He said after this despite being instructed to ride the horse in a forward position he took DANESIS across behind runners. Apprentice H W Lai (LUCKY CHAMPION) explained rounding the Home Turn he was urging his mount to go forward and slapped it down the shoulder with the whip at the 400 Metres. He said LUCKY CHAMPION after entering the Home Straight took some time to become balanced. He said when being ridden out it then closed the race off strongly. Apprentice Lai was told he should endeavour to ensure his mounts are not left with too much to do where circumstances permit. BEING FAMOUS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of BEING FAMOUS after the race did not show any significant findings. DANESIS and COURAGEOUSHEART were sent for sampling. After the race, it was reported KING HESPERUS had blood present at its right nostril. The Veterinary Officer said an endoscopic examination showed the horse’s trachea to be clean and therefore was not deemed to have bled.