15/09/2008  Shatin  Race 2

On jumping, ABLE STANDARD bounded in the air, landed awkwardly, blundered and almost fell. As a consequence, ABLE STANDARD lost a considerable amount of ground. ZERO GRAVITY began awkwardly, became unbalanced and lost ground. Near the 900 Metres, DAYLIGHT EXPRESS became unbalanced when bumped by LUCKY WORLD which was carried in by PALIO KING (K T Yeung) which shifted ground when not properly clear. K T Yeung was advised to exercise greater care. Approaching the 800 Metres, HOT SUN got its head on the side, shifted out slightly and was checked to avoid the heels of HEADINGLEY (M Du Plessis) which shifted in slightly. In the circumstances, M Du Plessis was told to exercise greater care. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, ABLE STANDARD, which had been ridden along to make up ground, proved difficult to settle and got its head up when awkwardly placed inside FASTER FASTER. At the 700 Metres, BLUE SAINT was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of PALIO KING. At the 600 Metres, ZERO GRAVITY was steadied when awkwardly placed between MUTUAL GAIN and DAYLIGHT EXPRESS. Prior to straightening, DAYLIGHT EXPRESS was crowded for room between TRIUMPHANT GLORY and MUTUAL GAIN (B Doyle) which shifted out. B Doyle was told to exercise care when shifting ground. For a considerable distance after the 400 Metres, NAMJONG SKY was held up and unable to improve. In the Straight, FAST WINNER hung in. Throughout the race, TRIUMPHANT GLORY travelled wide and without cover. B Prebble (NAMJONG SKY) explained from a wide barrier he had been instructed to ride the horse further back than at its most recent starts. He said he had been informed by Mr D J Hall, trainer of NAMJONG SKY, that the horse had been disappointing in the manner in which it had been closing its race off when being ridden in a more forward position. ABLE STANDARD was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, ABLE STANDARD was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse had sustained cuts to its right front leg and foot. The performance of ABLE STANDARD, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ABLE STANDARD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LUCKY WORLD and FAST WINNER were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported LUCKY WORLD had lost its right hind plate.