17/02/2008  Shatin  Race 2

TOUCH LUCKY began awkwardly and lost ground, then when under pressure in the Straight raced greenly and shifted ground on a number of occasions. RAINBOW OASIS began awkwardly and was then crowded for room between LOHAN and SUPER MUSIC, both of which shifted ground. After this, RAINBOW OASIS was ridden along but failed to muster speed. Near the 800 Metres, HAPPEE GIFT was steadied away from the heels of MINGS’ HERO. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, SUPER MUSIC was steadied when awkwardly placed inside TOWKAY FLYER which at this time was carried inwards slightly by MY MELODY. LADY FIRST, LOHAN and RAINBOW OASIS, which were following, were checked in consequence. No action was taken. At the 800 Metres, FULL BLESSINGS got its head on the side and raced ungenerously. At the 500 Metres, HAPPEE GIFT was bumped and carried wider by LADY FIRST which was steadied and carried out by SUPER MUSIC (O Doleuze) which shifted out when not properly clear. OCTAGONAL CANYON and RAINBOW OASIS, which were following, were hampered in consequence. O Doleuze was advised to exercise greater care. Near the 200 Metres, LOHAN, which was closing the race off fairly, was steadied and shifted out when disappointed for running inside FULL BLESSINGS. Over the concluding stages, SUPER MUSIC hung in. In the Straight, HAPPEE GIFT hung out. D Beadman (LIFELINE PEGASUS) explained he had been instructed to ride his mount in a forward position. He said LIFELINE PEGASUS began only fairly, then despite being ridden along took time to muster speed. He said approaching the turn at the 800 Metres LIFELINE PEGASUS was left racing three wide and without cover in what was only a moderately run race. He said because of this he allowed LIFELINE PEGASUS to go forward after the 700 Metres and cross to a two wide position. He said shortly after straightening LIFELINE PEGASUS came under pressure and failed to respond to his riding. LIFELINE PEGASUS, HAPPEE GIFT and FULL BLESSINGS were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of LIFELINE PEGASUS and FULL BLESSINGS after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, HAPPEE GIFT was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. LOLLIPOP and TOWKAY FLYER were sent for sampling. After the race, it was reported RAINBOW OASIS had bled from both nostrils.