30/03/2008  Shatin  Race 8

DIAMOND SUPREME began awkwardly. CLASSA BETTER was slow to begin. At the 250 Metres, ENCOSTA DON was crowded for room between CLASSA BETTER which was hanging out and BULB KING which shifted in. At the 200 Metres, ENCOSTA DON was steadied away from the heels of BULB KING (W M Lai) which shifted in when not properly clear. W M Lai was told to exercise greater care. Near the 100 Metres, DREAM HORSE, which was commencing to give ground, was checked to avoid the heels of DIAMOND SUPREME (D Whyte) which shifted out when not properly clear. D Whyte was reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. W M Lai said it was anticipated the race would be run at a very strong tempo. He said because of this he was instructed not to make use of his mount in the early stages and allow it to travel where it was comfortable. He said as a consequence BULB KING travelled in a position slightly worse than midfield. He said he commenced to ride his mount along at the 500 Metres and BULB KING closed the race off strongly. Apprentice K L Chui (FLORAL JOY II) explained his mount began awkwardly as it has done in the past. He said he immediately commenced to ride FLORAL JOY II along, however, the horse did not muster speed and soon became detached from the field. He said he continued to ride his mount along until after the 800 Metres, however, it was not responding to his riding and in his opinion was not striding out as it should. He said because of this he did not continue to ride FLORAL JOY II along for the remainder of the race. FLORAL JOY II was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. After the race, FLORAL JOY II was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was lame in its left hind leg and was making an abnormal breathing noise. He said an endoscopic examination confirmed the horse to be an early “roarer”. The performance of FLORAL JOY II was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FLORAL JOY II will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HOLI RAVIOLI and PROFITING CHAMPION were sent for sampling.