01/01/2008  Shatin  Race 8

After being boxed, SIR GALAHAD became fractious and reared. SIR GALAHAD was removed from its stall and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. When the gates opened, MEDICO, which had been fractious in its stall, bounded in the air and lost a considerable amount of ground. Making the first turn, LU YUE, which was proving difficult to settle, raced wide on the track. After being crossed by SOCRATES near the 1800 Metres, YANKEE then shifted out from behind that runner and improved its position around the outside. Making the Home Turn, EYE WITNESS was held up, unable to improve and raced tight inside SIR GALAHAD when endeavouring to shift out to obtain clear running. For a considerable distance after straightening, EYE WITNESS continued to have difficulty obtaining clear running. In the Straight, SOUTH BREEZE hung out and after the 300 Metres shifted ground, causing some inconvenience to MAN IN THE MIRROR and EYE WITNESS. For the major part of the race, MAN IN THE MIRROR travelled wide and without cover. D Beadman (MEDICO) said after beginning badly the horse enjoyed a comfortable run. He said in the Home Straight MEDICO took time to respond to his riding, then over the concluding stages gave ground. He said in his opinion the disappointing performance of MEDICO may be attributed to the combination of a rise in class since its last start win and also an increase in distance to 2000 Metres. MEDICO was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of MEDICO after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the poor performance of last start winner, NORTHERNER, M W Leung, its rider, said the horse travelled comfortably in a midfield position, however, when placed under pressure failed to respond to his riding. He said NORTHERNER at this stage of its career did not appreciate today’s “Good to Firm” track surface and in his opinion is more suited racing on more forgiving surfaces. NORTHERNER, MAN IN THE MIRROR and YANKEE were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of NORTHERNER and MAN IN THE MIRROR after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, YANKEE 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, YANKEE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CRUSADER OF GOLD and SOUTH BREEZE were sent for sampling.