09/02/2008  Shatin  Race 7

Prior to leaving its stable to be presented in the marshalling yard, MAINLAND MASTER became fractious and knocked its head. After arriving at the Parade Ring, MAINLAND MASTER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. BROWN BEAR began awkwardly and lost ground. On jumping, TERRIFIC BRETHREN was bumped by SUNNY SMILES which shifted out. BROTHERS IN ARMS and FASTER FASTER began awkwardly. In the early stages, TERRIFIC BRETHREN got its head on the side and hung in away from MAINLAND MASTER. At the 900 Metres, when being steadied away from the heels of OPTIC KING, BROTHERS IN ARMS got its head up, shifted out and bumped SUNNY SMILES. ELEPHANT STAR, which was following, was checked, shifted out and caused inconvenience to CHINA LUJIA. After this, CHINA LUJIA commenced to hang out, making the Home Turn hung out badly and shifted considerably wider on the track. CHINA LUJIA was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CHINA LUJIA after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CHINA LUJIA was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CHINA LUJIA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. At the 700 Metres, BROTHERS IN ARMS again got its head up and shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of TERRIFIC BRETHREN. This caused inconvenience to SUNNY SMILES which as a result was checked. MAINLAND MASTER, which was racing to the outside of SUNNY SMILES, was shifted wider on the track to relieve the pressure which was being applied to that runner. Making the Home Turn, BROWN BEAR hung out. Also making the Home Turn, TERRIFIC BRETHREN hung out and shortly after straightening was steadied away from the heels of MANY GAINS which shifted out. After this, TERRIFIC BRETHREN hung in for some distance. In the early part of the Straight, RICH DRAGON had difficulty obtaining clear running. In the Straight, THE ONLY KID hung in. For the major part of the race, MAINLAND MASTER travelled wide and without cover. D Beadman (RED RULER) explained from the outside barrier he had been instructed to ride the horse in a position with cover if possible. He said because of this he took RED RULER across behind runners in the early stages. He said the manner in which the race was run did not suit RED RULER as he was required to make his run from the 600 Metres, however, RED RULER made good ground in the early part of the Straight before its run ended short of the line. He said it had been indicated to him had RED RULER drawn more favourably, the horse would have been ridden more prominently. TERRIFIC BRETHREN, MANY GAINS and KUNG FU were sent for sampling.