05/10/2008  Shatin  Race 10

On arrival at the Start, MANY GAINS, which had been kicked by a lead pony when being led to the Start, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion the horse was suitable to race. MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP began awkwardly and shifted out despite the efforts of its rider, S K Sit, resulting in SPICY FRUITY being crowded for room between that horse and VIVA FIGHTER, striking the heels of MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP and blundering. After this, SPICY FRUITY was taken across behind runners to a position closer to the rail. Subsequent to the race, S K Sit reported that he injured his left leg when MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP began awkwardly and struck the outside of its gate. Shortly after the start, VICTORY CONQUEROR and SIR GALAHAD became unbalanced after bumping. Passing the 500 Metres, SIR GALAHAD was steadied away from the heels of FERRO BEAU. Shortly after entering the Straight, SIR GALAHAD was again steadied away from the heels of WHIPLASH which commenced to give ground. Then passing the 400 Metres, SIR GALAHAD was checked when endeavouring to obtain a narrow run between WHIPLASH which continued to give ground and MAGIC SWEEP which shifted to the outside of MANY GAINS. In this incident, MAGIC SWEEP became unbalanced when bumped by SIR GALAHAD. At the 200 Metres, WHIPLASH was steadied away from the heels of SIR GALAHAD which shifted out to improve its position. VIVA FIGHTER hung out in the Straight. Throughout the race, WHIPLASH travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of VICTORY CONQUEROR, D Beadman said he rode his mount positively in the early stages in an endeavour to cross MANY GAINS. He said shortly after the start he accepted he could not cross that horse, he therefore took hold of VICTORY CONQUEROR and obtained a position in about midfield where the horse travelled comfortably. He said he followed the eventual winner FERRO BEAU throughout the race and near the 500 Metres shifted to the outside of that horse to make his run. He said when placed under pressure in the Straight VICTORY CONQUEROR did not stretch out as it had in its most recent victory at Happy Valley on 24 September 2008. He added he was unable to blame the track surface today as the horse had gone particularly well last season racing on a rain affected surface. VICTORY CONQUEROR was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. WHIPLASH and SPICY FRUITY were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of VICTORY CONQUEROR, WHIPLASH and SPICY FRUITY after the race did not show any significant findings. FERRO BEAU and MANY GAINS were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MAGIC TOUCH had bled from both nostrils and was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, MAGIC TOUCH will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.