09/02/2008  Shatin  Race 1

During the pre-race parade, CHARMING MONKEYS kicked out and made contact with a rail in the Parade Ring. CHARMING MONKEYS was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. CHALLENGER, which was fractious in its stall as the start was effected, began awkwardly and lost ground. On jumping, MR FLOODLIGHT and FIGS bumped. CHARMING MONKEYS began awkwardly and lost ground, in the middle stages hung out badly, then in the Straight when being ridden out hung in and shifted to the rail. Near the 1300 Metres, PLENTY OF TALENT was steadied away from the heels of FAST WINNER (C Soumillon) which shifted in when not properly clear. C Soumillon was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. In the early part of the Straight, SPICY HOT had difficulty obtaining clear running. After the 400 Metres, SHOW BRAVELY was hampered and carried wider by PLENTY OF TALENT which at this time shifted out after being bumped by FILEBO which had been held up for clear running and at this time endeavoured to shift to the outside of FAST WINNER. For some distance after this, FILEBO continued to have difficulty obtaining clear running. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, CHALLENGER, which was commencing to close the race off, was steadied away from the heels of FIGS which was giving ground. After this, CHALLENGER was shifted wider on the track. After the 200 Metres, H W Lai (FILEBO) dropped his whip. At the 150 Metres, CHARMING MONKEYS was checked and shifted out abruptly away from the heels of TABBRIS which was giving ground. Over the concluding stages, FILEBO hung in. In the Straight, FAST WINNER and GLOBAL WAY hung in. For the major part of the race, TELECOM TYCOON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of MR FLOODLIGHT, D Whyte said his mount travelled comfortably in a forward position. He said when he endeavoured to shift out to obtain clear running shortly after straightening, his mount was not travelling well enough to do so. He said as a consequence MR FLOODLIGHT was held up and unable to obtain clear running until after the 300 Metres. He said however the manner in which MR FLOODLIGHT closed the race off when in clear running in his opinion was disappointing. MR FLOODLIGHT was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. FIGS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MR FLOODLIGHT and FIGS after the race did not show any significant findings. WAVY PEAK and FILEBO were sent for sampling.