22/06/2008  Shatin  Race 7

After arriving at the Start, TAIJI SPIRIT had an adjustment made to its right front plate. Whilst behind the barriers, ACHILLES OF TROY kicked out with its right hind leg and made contact with a running rail. ACHILLES OF TROY was examined by the Veterinary Surgeon who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. EIGHT PLUS NINE was slow to begin. At the 700 Metres, SECRET OF KINGS got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of WILLING STORM. For a considerable distance after the 400 Metres, ELEGANT WIN was held up and unable to obtain clear running. Over the final 200 Metres, SPRING SUN hung in and raced tight with FLYING SPRINTER which was initially carried out by EIGHT PLUS NINE. At the 150 Metres, ACHILLES OF TROY got its head on the side, hung in and was steadied away from the heels of GUNNER MAC. Throughout the race, FLYING SPRINTER travelled wide and without cover. F Coetzee (BERIO) explained today was the first occasion on which he had ridden the horse. He said he was told when BERIO had its first start, it had over-raced when ridden in a forward position from a wide barrier. He said today from an inside barrier he was asked to ride the horse with cover and endeavour to have it close the race off. He said BERIO began nicely, relaxed immediately for him and then travelled comfortably in the run. He said on straightening he shifted BERIO out to obtain clear running and the horse initially responded to his riding, however, its run ended short of the line. He said in his opinion BERIO performed like it would derive benefit from today’s race. SPRING SUN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SPRING SUN after the race did not show any significant findings. GUNNER MAC and ELEGANT WIN were sent for sampling. An inquiry into G Mossé’s riding of WILLING STORM rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Home Straight was adjourned to a date to be fixed after initial evidence was taken from G Mossé and Mr J Moore, trainer of the horse.