16/03/2008  Shatin  Race 9

BOUNCER bounded in the air at the start and lost ground. SPECIAL DRAGON, which had been fractious in its stall and was standing badly as the start was effected, began awkwardly and lost ground. From the outside barrier, WINNING SPEED was taken back and across behind runners. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND failed to muster speed. In the early stages, HAPPY MASTER travelled wide and without cover. Near the 1300 Metres, SPECIAL DRAGON commenced to over-race and got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of KING ACRYLIC. On straightening, WINNING SPEED was steadied away from the heels of GENIUS MASTER. After the 400 Metres, TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND was steadied and shifted to the outside of WINNING SPEED to obtain clear running. Over the concluding stages, SPECIAL DRAGON hung in. For the major part of the race, GENIUS MASTER travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground quickly and finished tailed out. The performance of GENIUS MASTER was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GENIUS MASTER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. F Coetzee (SPECIAL DAYS) said his mount over-raced in the early stages, however, relaxed nicely after receiving cover behind KING ACRYLIC after the 1200 Metres. He said SPECIAL DAYS travelled comfortably behind the leaders. He said on straightening he commenced to ride along in an endeavour to improve his position, however, SPECIAL DAYS did not respond as he thought it would. He said he continued to ride SPECIAL DAYS out, however, the horse did not lengthen stride and in his opinion was disappointing by keeping on only one paced. SPECIAL DAYS and WAIT FOR ME were sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, SPECIAL DAYS was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of WAIT FOR ME after the race did not show any significant findings. BOUNCER and STILTON were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported RIGHT FRAAR was mildly distressed.