30/03/2008  Shatin  Race 3

GALAXY DANCER began awkwardly and stumbled. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, TELECOM TYCOON failed to muster speed. In the early stages, FILEBO was taken across behind runners. After the 1400 Metres, CHARMING MONKEYS, which was hanging out, was steadied away from the heels of KA KA SMART. DANEPRINT made the turn at the 800 Metres awkwardly while hanging out. After the 800 Metres, SPICY HOT was left racing without cover. On straightening, CHARMING MONKEYS was shifted to the inside of ALWAYS ZIETEN to continue going forward. Also on straightening, FILEBO was steadied away from the heels of KINGSTON GLORY. In the early part of the Home Straight, DANEPRINT had difficulty obtaining clear running. At the 350 Metres, TELECOM TYCOON was steadied and shifted out to avoid the heels of ALWAYS ZIETEN which commenced to give ground quickly. At the 250 Metres, KINGSTON GLORY was steadied away from the heels of FILEBO which in the Straight hung in and at this time shifted ground. Apprentice K L Chui (SUPER POWER) said the intention had been to have the horse ridden in a forward position from the wide draw. He said at its last start SUPER POWER was slow to muster speed and travelled in a rearward position. He said today despite being ridden along in the early stages SUPER POWER was again slow to muster speed, however, then travelled comfortably in a position behind midfield. He said in the Home Straight SUPER POWER obtained clear running, however, was disappointing in the manner in which it closed the race off. SUPER POWER was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. After the race, SUPER POWER was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. ALWAYS ZIETEN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, ALWAYS ZIETEN was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. As this is the second occasion on which ALWAYS ZIETEN has suffered an irregular heart rhythm, the rules require the horse be barred from racing for a period of 6 months. However, as ALWAYS ZIETEN is a 10 year old, the horse will under the rules be compulsorily retired before this period of embargo expires. KA KA SMART and DANEPRINT were sent for sampling.