15/09/2008  Shatin  Race 4

On jumping, MY CHOICE knuckled and then bumped with NORMAN INVADER. FRIENDLY GAINS began awkwardly, got its head up and was then crowded for room inside LU YUE which in turn was crowded for room inside SKYVIEW BAR which was carried in by SANZIRO which in turn was carried in by ALWAYS GIGGLE which shifted ground despite the efforts of its rider. As a result of this crowding, LU YUE and SKYVIEW BAR lost ground. Shortly afterwards, SANZIRO was steadied to avoid the heels of ALWAYS GIGGLE which shifted further. In the early and middle stages, FRIENDLY GAINS proved very difficult to settle and then in the Straight gave ground. In the early part of the Straight, SANZIRO had some difficulty obtaining clear running. For the major part of the race, ALWAYS GIGGLE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, F Coetzee (NORMAN INVADER) was unable to offer any explanation for the poor performance of the horse. He said NORMAN INVADER was more relaxed prior to the start than it has been in its previous starts. He said NORMAN INVADER began well and he obtained a position behind the lead as instructed. He said NORMAN INVADER travelled comfortably and felt good in its action. He said on straightening when placed under pressure NORMAN INVADER did not respond as he thought it would and commenced to hang in. He said afterwards NORMAN INVADER did not quicken and was disappointing in the manner in which it closed the race off. NORMAN INVADER was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of NORMAN INVADER after the race did not show any significant findings. ENTHUSED and SCINTILLATION were sent for sampling.