17/02/2008  Shatin  Race 7

As the gates opened, SACRED KINGDOM lifted its front feet off the ground and as a consequence was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, PLANET RULER was checked when crowded for room between ABSOLUTE CHAMPION which shifted out and MEDIC POWER which was carried in by HELENE BRILLIANT. Near the 1000 Metres, SCINTILLATION was steadied after being carried out by EGYPTIAN RA which shifted ground after being crossed by ABLE PRINCE. After the 1000 Metres, EGYPTIAN RA proved difficult to settle. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, ABSOLUTE CHAMPION was steadied away from the heels of SCINTILLATION. On straightening, MEDIC POWER, which was endeavouring to shift to the outside of ABSOLUTE CHAMPION to obtain clear running, bumped with HELENE BRILLIANT. At the 100 Metres, EGYPTIAN RA was steadied away from the heels of ABLE PRINCE. D Whyte (MEDIC POWER) explained his mount travelled only fairly throughout the race. He said on straightening after making contact with HELENE BRILLIANT, MEDIC POWER became unbalanced in its action. He said because of the manner in which MEDIC POWER was racing, he eased the horse down. MEDIC POWER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MEDIC POWER after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, MEDIC POWER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, B Prebble expressed concern with the action of ABSOLUTE CHAMPION in the concluding stages. ABSOLUTE CHAMPION was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of ABSOLUTE CHAMPION after the race did not show any significant findings. SACRED KINGDOM was sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 18 February 2008) ABSOLUTE CHAMPION was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison after the race. He said at that time there were no significant findings. ABSOLUTE CHAMPION was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer D J Hall this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, ABSOLUTE CHAMPION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.