24/03/2008  Shatin  Race 5

HELENE ELITE was slow to begin. BAAZIGAR began awkwardly, shifted in, bumped the hindquarters of RED RULER and as a consequence lost ground. After the 1200 Metres, BILLION, which was left travelling wide and without cover, was allowed to stride forward. In the early stages, JUGGERNAUT proved difficult to settle. For a considerable distance after the 1000 Metres, BAAZIGAR, which was proving difficult to settle, got its head up when being checked away from the heels of DASH. When BAAZIGAR was checked, inconvenience was caused to HELENE ELITE. At the 800 Metres, NOT QUITE PERFECT was left racing wide and without cover. The performance of DELIGHTFUL WIN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DELIGHTFUL WIN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. B Prebble (GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY) explained at no stage of the race did his mount travel strongly. He said after the 800 Metres he used the whip on GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY in an endeavour to have his mount pick up the bridle which it did for a short distance. He said after straightening he placed GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY under pressure and near the 300 Metres the horse commenced to get its head down while not responding to his riding. He said when this occurred, GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY did not feel right in its action and because of this he did not continue to ride GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY out to the end of the race. GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. RED RULER, BILLION and FLY ME TO THE MOON were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported BAAZIGAR had bled from both nostrils.