01/06/2008  Shatin  Race 5

GRAND GENERAL bounded in the air at the start and on landing bumped with MACAROON which had been slow to begin. CHINESE BOY BOY was slow into stride. Shortly after the start, TIMBER CITY became unbalanced when bumped by LUCKY WORLD. After this, despite being ridden along, TIMBER CITY failed to muster speed. In the early stages, LUCKY WORLD proved difficult to settle and pulled its way into a forward position. At the 700 Metres, MACAROON was steadied away from the heels of TIMBER CITY. At the 350 Metres, GRAND GENERAL, which for some distance had been experiencing some difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied and shifted to the outside of LUCKY WORLD to go forward. Throughout the race, WONDER KID travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, H W Lai (RISING WIN), which was racing in blinkers for the first time today, said he had been instructed to have the horse begin well and endeavour to obtain a position in midfield with cover if possible. He said because of the slow early tempo RISING WIN proved difficult to settle and as a consequence travelled further forward than anticipated. He said prior to straightening RISING WIN came under pressure, making the Home Turn hung out and commenced to give ground shortly afterwards. He said as RISING WIN was well beaten he did not ride the horse out over the concluding stages. RISING WIN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of RISING WIN after the race did not show any significant findings. The Stewards in the circumstances believed the performance of RISING WIN to be unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, RISING WIN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, G Boss (FIRST KNIGHT), which performed poorly, reported his mount did not handle today’s track conditions. FIRST KNIGHT was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FIRST KNIGHT after the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY WORLD, NOT QUITE PERFECT and GRAND GENERAL were sent for sampling.