09/01/2008  Happy Valley  Race 8

After arriving at the Start, B Prebble expressed concern over the action of GIGA SPIRITS. The horse was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. EXPRESS WIN, which was restless in its stall, bounded in the air at the start and lost a considerable amount of ground. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, BLUE GENES and LIBERAL’S KNIGHT were steadied when crowded for room inside DIAMOND BRILLIANCE (O Doleuze) which shifted in momentarily. O Doleuze was reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, SUPERIOR UNIT and DIAMOND BRILLIANCE hung out. Approaching the 100 Metres, EXPRESS WIN was steadied and shifted out when disappointed for running inside NIRVANA which at this time was steadied when unable to continue improving as a result of being disappointed for running between ISLAND SPEED and WINE WIN which drifted in. For the remainder of the race, NIRVANA did not obtain clear running and as a consequence was not tested. Following the race, B Prebble expressed concern over the action of GIGA SPIRITS during the race and said the horse did not stride out as he felt it should. GIGA SPIRITS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of GIGA SPIRITS after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being permitted to race again, GIGA SPIRITS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CLASSIC NAVIGATOR was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, CLASSIC NAVIGATOR was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed the horse to have a continuous displacement of the soft palate. DIM SUM, ISLAND SPEED and HONGKONG SUPERSTAR were sent for sampling.