21/09/2008  Shatin  Race 7

After being boxed, PLAN EX became fractious, reared and then endeavoured to break through underneath the front gates of its stall. PLAN EX was 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 PLAN EX. Before being allowed to race again, PLAN EX will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after being boxed, O’REILLY RALLY became fractious, reared and momentarily sat down behind. O’REILLY RALLY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. As a consequence of these incidents in the barriers, all horses were unloaded and the start of this race was delayed. Shortly after the start, ROCKET WIN lost its position when crowded for room between FULL PACK and NATURAL NINE which when being restrained got its head up and shifted in. As a consequence, ROCKET WIN travelled at the rear. In the early stages, FAT DRAGON failed to muster speed. At the 50 Metres, SOUTH BREEZE became unbalanced when improving into a narrow run between O’REILLY RALLY and FULL PACK. Over the concluding stages, NATURAL NINE hung in. In the Straight, FULL PACK hung in. D Beadman (EYSHAL) explained it was anticipated with a small field today’s race would be run at a slow tempo. He said in the lead up to today’s race during track work EYSHAL had led the stablemate and worked impressively. He said because of these factors it was decided EYSHAL in today’s race would be suited being ridden in a forward position. He said on jumping he looked to his inside and it was apparent FAT DRAGON, which was anticipated to be one of the leaders, would not be in a forward position. He said therefore he allowed his mount which had begun well to cross and race outside the leader in a slowly run race. O’REILLY RALLY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of O’REILLY RALLY after the race did not show any significant findings. EYSHAL and NATURAL NINE were sent for sampling.