02/02/2008  Shatin  Race 4

SOUNDS FANTASTIC, which was standing badly, got its head up as the gates opened, bounded in the air and lost a considerable amount of ground. JOY TRUMPS began awkwardly and lost ground. On jumping, LUCKY WORLD got its head up, shifted in and bumped GREAT HERO. From a wide gate, NIGHT HUNTER III was taken across behind runners. Making the turn near the 1200 Metres, BLISS STAR, which had been travelling wide and without cover, was carried wider by FREEBIRD which shifted out while hanging. After this, BLISS STAR continued to travel wide and without cover and finished tailed out and FREEBIRD continued to hang out and travelled wide and without cover. The performances of BLISS STAR and FREEBIRD were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BLISS STAR and FREEBIRD will both be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Making the Home Turn, LUCKY WORLD hung out. After the 300 Metres, C Soumillon (JOY TRUMPS) dropped his whip. G Mossé (JOYFUL YEARS), which performed poorly, said in his opinion the horse did not handle today’s wet track conditions. He said JOYFUL YEARS did not feel comfortable at any stage of the race and was a beaten horse at the 700 Metres. JOYFUL YEARS, CLASSIC KING and BLISS STAR were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of JOYFUL YEARS, CLASSIC KING and BLISS STAR after the race did not show any significant findings. GREAT HERO and CHATER DE LAGO were sent for sampling.