01/01/2008  Shatin  Race 3

UNIQUE JEWELLERY was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fever). Before being allowed to race again, UNIQUE JEWELLERY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On jumping, KINGSTON TEMPLE lost ground when crowded for room between NIGHT HUNTER III and EXPEDITIOUS which shifted out. When the gates opened, KEY WINNER lifted its front feet off the ground and began awkwardly. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, LIVERBIRD and ALWAYS ZIETEN failed to muster speed. Near the 1400 Metres, KEY WINNER was steadied and taken back to a position behind LIVERBIRD on the fence. After the 1400 Metres, ALWAYS ZIETEN was crowded for room inside the heels of WONDERFUL BLESSING which when proving difficult to settle shifted in slightly. Making the Home Turn and in the Straight, CHAMPION PIONEER hung out. From on straightening until the 150 Metres, EXPEDITIOUS had difficulty obtaining clear running. Passing the 300 Metres, ALWAYS ZIETEN was awkwardly placed between ABLE STANDARD and KING OF FISH. G Mossé (CHAMPION PIONEER) explained near the 150 Metres he momentarily stopped riding to take a shorter hold on the right rein to prevent his mount which was hanging out from shifting ground. He said he then resumed riding his mount out, however, over the final 30 Metres when it was apparent to him, having in mind the manner in which CHAMPION PIONEER was finishing the race off, that the horse could not improve its position, he did not ride his mount out to the end the race. When questioned regarding the performance of WONDERFUL BLESSING, Apprentice K L Chui said he had been instructed to follow the pace in 4th or 5th position if possible. He said WONDERFUL BLESSING began a little awkwardly and he then rode along to obtain a forward position as instructed. He said WONDERFUL BLESSING then travelled keenly and would not relax for him as he endeavoured to steady to allow PICTURE PERFECT which had been racing on his outside to cross and provide him with cover. He said after the 1200 Metres when PICTURE PERFECT crossed, WONDERFUL BLESSING relaxed. He said however approaching the turn at the 800 Metres PICTURE PERFECT continued on and crossed to the fence which again left WONDERFUL BLESSING racing without cover in 3rd position. He said in the Straight WONDERFUL BLESSING was disappointing in the manner in which it finished the race off. He said in his opinion WONDERFUL BLESSING is better suited when being ridden with cover which enables the horse to close its races off. WONDERFUL BLESSING was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. After the race, WONDERFUL BLESSING was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, WONDERFUL BLESSING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. PICTURE PERFECT was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of PICTURE PERFECT after the race did not show any significant findings. LIVERBIRD and KING OF FISH were sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 2 January 2008) PICTURE PERFECT, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. PICTURE PERFECT was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer Y S Tsui this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in the left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, PICTURE PERFECT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.