28/09/2008  Shatin  Race 6

REWARDING STAR, which was standing with its head turned to the left, was slow to begin. On jumping, NATURAL ECHO was bumped by ISTIDE and then failed to muster speed despite being ridden along. When questioned, M W Leung (WIN MORE) explained his mount was standing awkwardly and leaning to the left in the barriers when the start was effected. He said as a consequence when WIN MORE jumped, his left leg made contact with the side of the stall which caused his foot to be knocked free of the stirrup. He said he then became unbalanced, causing him to be dislodged from WIN MORE shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, WONG’S SUCCESS was crowded for room between BEST NOODLE and PUERTO RICO which shifted in. In the early stages, SILVER WRAITH proved very difficult to settle and near the 1100 Metres was checked when crowded for room inside the riderless WIN MORE. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, PUERTO RICO was left racing wide and without cover and near the 600 Metres was steadied away from the heels of BREAKING POINT. On straightening, SUPER FANTASY was steadied and shifted to the inside of SUNNY SMILES to obtain clear running. At the 50 Metres, ROCKET AND GOLD and REWARDING STAR were crowded for room between ISTIDE which shifted out slightly and WONG’S SUCCESS (C K Tong) which shifted in while being ridden out. C K Tong was told to exercise greater care. Approaching the winning post, BEST NOODLE was awkwardly placed inside SUPER FANTASY which when closing the race off shifted to the inside of WINBO. SUNNY SMILES, WINBO and SUPER FANTASY were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported PUERTO RICO had sustained a cut to the right front pastern. Before being allowed to race again, PUERTO RICO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.