01/01/2008  Shatin  Race 5

GREAT HERO began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped STEEL NERVES. GALLANT WIN bounded in the air at the start and lost ground. On jumping, HELENE ELITE was checked when crowded for room between BRILLIANT TREASURE and GREAT SUPREME, both of which shifted ground. In the early stages, FLYING KENNY proved difficult to settle and for the major part of the race travelled without cover. Approaching the turn at the 800 Metres, FANTASTIC TIME hung in. GREAT HERO made the turn near the 800 Metres awkwardly and was checked away from the heels of BATURO which improved on the inside of WIN MORE (S Dye) which after initially being clear of that horse steadied while shifting across to race outside CHEEKY LAD. In the circumstances, S Dye was advised to exercise greater care. Making the turn after the 700 Metres, WIN MORE hung out. Near the 500 Metres, STEEL NERVES was steadied away from the heels of FANTASTIC TIME. Over about the final 100 Metres, STEEL NERVES was not able to obtain clear running when racing inside BATURO and behind CHEEKY LAD which was giving ground. Because of this, STEEL NERVES was not fully tested or ridden out to the end of the race. F Coetzee (BRILLIANT TREASURE) explained the intention had been to ride the horse in a forward position behind the lead. He said after being boxed BRILLIANT TREASURE became fractious and reared, then on jumping shifted in and bumped the runner on its inside. He said after this he decided not to ride BRILLIANT TREASURE along and allowed the opportunity for the horse to settle where it was comfortable in a rearward position. He said BRILLIANT TREASURE travelled a little keenly in the early stages, near the 1200 Metres was steadied when awkwardly placed between STEEL NERVES and KAISER’S CHOIX, however, then relaxed and closed the race off nicely. O Doleuze (CHEEKY LAD) explained he had not been issued with firm riding instructions other than to try and ensure the horse began well. He said on several occasions in the past CHEEKY LAD had not begun well and as a consequence had been left with too much to do in its races. He said he was able to have CHEEKY LAD begin well and he allowed the horse to go forward into the lead at what he believed to be a comfortable tempo. He said CHEEKY LAD travelled well until inside the final 200 Metres when runners improved on its outside. He said when this happened CHEEKY LAD showed a reluctance to stride out. KAISER’S CHOIX was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, KAISER’S CHOIX 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, KAISER’S CHOIX will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. An inquiry was opened into the running and riding of SILLY BOY. Evidence was taken from M Nunes, rider of the horse, and Mr K L Tsui, assistant trainer to Mr A T Millard, trainer of the horse. As Mr Millard was absent from Hong Kong, the Stewards adjourned the inquiry until a date and time to be fixed. STEEL NERVES, GREAT SUPREME and GALLANT WIN were sent for sampling.