23/12/2007  Shatin  Race 4

SPLENDID SAILS was slow to begin. SUPER SPECIAL began awkwardly. On jumping, PLEASURE PLEASURE was crowded for room between MUTUAL GAIN and KING'S CHOICE which initially shifted in of its own accord and then was carried in further by SUPER RED. After this, PLEASURE PLEASURE despite being ridden along failed to muster speed. Shortly after the start, SIMPLY JOY became unbalanced and lost ground when crowded for room between WINNING CHAMP and AMBITION. After the 1000 Metres, UNIVERSAL PIONEER, which had been travelling wide on the track, was steadied and taken back to a position with cover. At the 500 Metres, MUTUAL GAIN was steadied away from the heels of WINNING CHAMP which commenced to give ground quickly. The performance of WINNING CHAMP, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WINNING CHAMP will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. From near the 300 Metres until the 200 Metres, SPLENDID SAILS was held up and unable to obtain clear running. After the race, G Mossé, the rider of SPLENDID SAILS, reported the horse coughed on several occasions during the race. SPLENDID SAILS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, SPLENDID SAILS was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, SPLENDID SAILS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. At the 200 Metres, PLEASURE PLEASURE, which had been experiencing some difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied when disappointed for running between SUPER SPECIAL which shifted in and PROFIT HILL which at this time was carried out slightly by MUTUAL GAIN which had its head on the side and was hanging out. Throughout the race, PROFIT HILL travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. PROFIT HILL was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, PROFIT HILL was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, PROFIT HILL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SUPER RED, Apprentice K L Chui said he was required to make use of the horse in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said SUPER RED was under pressure with a number of runners travelling to its outside making the first turn, then near the 600 Metres commenced to change legs and became unbalanced. He said after this SUPER RED failed to finish the race off. SUPER RED was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of SUPER RED after the race did not show any significant findings. OPTIC KING and KING'S CHOICE were sent for sampling. Following the race, it was reported WINNING CHAMP had lost its right front plate.