05/10/2008  Shatin  Race 6

ROYAL PERICLES was slow to begin. ROYAL PERICLES was ridden along in the early stages to improve its position and then travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. WATCH WHAT HAPPENS began awkwardly. From a wide barrier, ELITE CHAMPION was taken across behind runners in the early stages. For some distance approaching the 800 Metres, KING PRAWN SUPREME raced tight inside IRON FIRST which shifted in slightly. Then approaching the 700 Metres, KING PRAWN SUPREME was checked when crowded for room between IRON FIST which continued to lay in and MY TIME (S K Sit) which shifted in before being shifted out to provide runners to his inside sufficient racing room. S K Sit was severely reprimanded and advised in similar circumstances he would be expected to give his fellow riders sufficient racing room. Passing the 800 Metres, ELITE CHAMPION was steadied away from the heels of IRISH JIG. For some distance passing the 600 Metres, ISLAND SPEED was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MY TIME which was giving ground and finished distanced. As a consequence, ISLAND SPEED was taken back through the field. The performance of MY TIME was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MY TIME will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Near the 500 Metres, IRISH JIG was steadied away from the heels of KING PRAWN SUPREME. ELITE CHAMPION was unable to obtain clear running over the final 300 Metres and consequently was not fully tested. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BEAR MACHO, D Whyte said he intended to follow GRAND STORE throughout the run in a midfield position, however, when that horse raced further back than anticipated, BEAR MACHO was also obliged to race further back than had been hoped. He said although BEAR MACHO raced wide on the track, the horse resented the kickback and consequently did not travel comfortably. He added when placed under pressure BEAR MACHO did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. BEAR MACHO was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. IRISH JIG was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of BEAR MACHO and IRISH JIG after the race did not show any significant findings. KING PRAWN SUPREME and CANNONISE were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ELITE CHAMPION had lost its right front plate.