15/12/2007  Shatin  Race 8

When being saddled, COOL CAT became fractious and kicked a rail. COOL CAT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse had sustained a laceration to its right hock and in his opinion was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of COOL CAT. Before being allowed to race again, COOL CAT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MIRACLE FORTUNE and BRILLIANT FLASH were slow to begin. CRAIG’S DRAGON was slow to begin, then lost further ground when crowded for room between CAGA BOY and REUNION. After the 50 Metres, GALBRAITH, which was being hard ridden in an endeavour to maintain its position, became unbalanced when awkwardly placed between CRAIG’S DRAGON and PROFITING CHAMPION. Because of this, GALBRAITH lost ground. Over the concluding stages, REUNION hung in. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SOUTH CHINA ELITE, B Prebble said from a gate towards the inside his mount travelled comfortably in the early stages, however, because of the manner in which the race was run he was not able to shift towards the outside as he would have liked. He said after the 400 Metres he commenced to ride SOUTH CHINA ELITE along, however, the horse did not respond to his riding. He said after the 200 Metres when SOUTH CHINA ELITE continued to fail to respond to his riding and felt to him as though it was not stretching out fully, he decided to ease his mount down. He did point out SOUTH CHINA ELITE does have a history of leg problems, however, in his opinion the horse’s work leading into today’s race was very good and did not indicate it may have any problem. Mr D J Hall, trainer of SOUTH CHINA ELITE, was unable to offer any explanation for the performance of the horse. He said the work of SOUTH CHINA ELITE leading into today’s race was good. SOUTH CHINA ELITE was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of SOUTH CHINA ELITE after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SOUTH CHINA ELITE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SOUTH CHINA ELITE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GALBRAITH was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of GALBRAITH after the race did not show any significant findings. CAGA BOY and REUNION were sent for sampling.