18/05/2008  Shatin  Race 4

MASSIVE STAR was slow to muster speed, made the turn near the 700 Metres awkwardly and in the Straight hung out. Throughout the race, HONEST TREASURE travelled wide and without cover and making the turn after the 700 Metres was carried wider by RICH DRAGON which shifted out while hanging. Near the 200 Metres, POS TRUMPS was hampered and carried wider by MERIDIAN PRIDE which shifted out. Approaching the winning post, WELL NOTED got its head on the side and shifted out. Because of this, M Nunes was placed at a disadvantage in riding his mount out. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SUPER FIGHTER, H W Lai said his mount did not show speed in the early stages and therefore travelled near the rear which was further back than its anticipated midfield position. He said approaching the turn at the 700 Metres he shifted SUPER FIGHTER wider on the track to ensure his mount was able to secure clear running in the Home Straight. He said at the 500 Metres he commenced to ride SUPER FIGHTER along, however, his mount responded only fairly to his riding. SUPER FIGHTER was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of SUPER FIGHTER after the race did not show any significant findings. GAUCHO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, GAUCHO was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, GAUCHO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. POS TRUMPS and WELL NOTED were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported VICTORY CONQUEROR had lost its left front plate.