12/05/2008  Shatin  Race 2

WINNING CHAMP began awkwardly and got its head up. On jumping, SILLY BOY was crowded for room between DIAGHILEV and TELECOM EMPEROR and then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed. DOUBLE FANTASY was slow into stride, then approaching the turn at the 700 Metres commenced to over-race, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of SPLENDID SAILS, then making the turn hung out and was checked to avoid the heels of NOBLE ZOOM. In this incident, DASHING WINNER was hampered and carried wider and then hung out. Near the 900 Metres, SILLY BOY was steadied when crowded for room outside DIAGHILEV (E Saint-Martin) which at this time shifted out. E Saint-Martin was told to exercise greater care. DIAGHILEV made the turn at the 700 Metres awkwardly. Throughout the race, WINNING CHAMP travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of FIRST DEGREE, which gave ground quickly in the Straight and tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FIRST DEGREE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DOUBLE FANTASY was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. FIRST DEGREE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of DOUBLE FANTASY and FIRST DEGREE after the race did not show any significant findings. SPLENDID SAILS and SILLY BOY were sent for sampling.