09/03/2008  Shatin  Race 8

On jumping, LIVERBIRD was crowded for room between SIR LAGO and VICTORY TREASURE which shifted in. HOLD HANDS and PUERTO RICO began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, SIR LAGO and LONDON EXPRESS bumped. Near the 1700 Metres, THE WITCH’S BROOM and SIR LAGO were crowded for room inside VICTORY TREASURE (G Mossé) which shifted in when not clear. G Mossé was reprimanded and advised he is expected to be sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, INDUSTRIAL EXPRESS shifted in when being steadied away from the heels of FLORAL NIRVANA, resulting in PUERTO RICO being crowded for room. HOLD HANDS, LIVERBIRD and LONDON EXPRESS, which were following, were hampered in consequence. Near the 150 Metres, FANTASTIC GUY was steadied away from the heels of VICTORY TREASURE which hung out over the final 200 Metres. When questioned, O Doleuze (SIR LAGO) said as the horse had not been finishing its races off when travelling in a rearward position and as the anticipated speed of today’s race would be slow, it was decided to ride the horse in a forward position. After the race, O Doleuze reported his mount was making a respiratory noise in the race. SIR LAGO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SIR LAGO after the race did not show any significant findings. INDUSTRIAL EXPRESS and FLORAL NIRVANA were sent for sampling.