25/05/2008  Shatin  Race 1

Whilst in the saddling stalls, SUPREME COMMANDER had its left hind plate reset. SUPREME COMMANDER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After being boxed, DIDI became fractious and reared over. DIDI was removed from its stall and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of DIDI. Before being allowed to race again, DIDI will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPER BOBO was slow to begin. SURE GAIN began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped LADY FIRST which from a wide gate was being taken back to a position with cover. In the early stages, LIONS' FORTUNE was taken back. Also in the early stages, CHIEF WITNESS proved difficult to settle, made the turn at the 800 Metres awkwardly and hung out. B Prebble (HOME TREASURE) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 900 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of CHIEF WITNESS, causing that horse to be carried in and caused crowding on its inside to GLORIOUS FEELING which as a result lost its rightful running and was checked. LIONS’ FORTUNE and ROYAL DOMAIN, which were following, were hampered in consequence. B Prebble was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 16 June 2008 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after Yasuda Kinen racemeeting to be held in Tokyo on Sunday 8 June 2008. In addition, B Prebble was fined $80,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating two further racedays. At the 800 Metres, SUPER BOBO was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 700 Metres, SUPREME COMMANDER, which was racing ungenerously, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of HOME TREASURE. Making the Home Turn and in the Straight, HOME TREASURE hung out. On straightening, SUPER BOBO was steadied away from the heels of GLORIOUS FEELING which shifted out away from CHIEF WITNESS. Near the 300 Metres, ROYAL DOMAIN, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was momentarily steadied. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, LADY FIRST was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHIEF WITNESS. For the major part of the race, OWNERS LAD travelled wide and without cover. GLORIOUS FEELING was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, GLORIOUS FEELING was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse had bled from both nostrils. HOME TREASURE and WITHALLMYHEART were sent for sampling.