12/10/2008  Shatin  Race 7

BEST NOODLE was withdrawn on 11.10.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right front foot) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter LIVERBIRD (E Saint-Martin). Before being allowed to race again, BEST NOODLE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On jumping, CHAMPION LAD was taken back to a position with cover. At the 1300 Metres, MINGS' HERO was checked to avoid the heels of LUCKY MONEY (Apprentice K C Leung) which shifted in when not properly clear. KOWLOON FIT, which was following, was checked in consequence. The Stewards having considered Apprentice Leung's relative inexperience in Hong Kong decided the appropriate action was that he be severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. At the 1000 Metres, KOWLOON FIT was left racing without cover. At the 900 Metres, WINBO got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of LUCKY MONEY. Approaching the turn at the 800 Metres, PACHINKO was steadied away from the heels of CHAMPION LAD which got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of BEST POWER. In the middle stages, NICE KING and SUPER BOBO proved difficult to settle. After the 800 Metres, CHAMPION LAD was shifted out and allowed to commence to improve, then at the 700 Metres was carried wider by BEST POWER which at this time shifted out from behind SUPER BOBO. As a consequence, CHAMPION LAD was left racing wide and without cover. On straightening, PACHINKO and BEST POWER bumped. Near the 200 Metres, BEST POWER was momentarily steadied away from the heels of MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP. K L Chui (CRUSH ON YOU) dropped his whip after the 100 Metres. K T Yeung (BEST POWER), 7th placegetter, was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out right to the end of the race where circumstances permit. S K Sit (MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP) was shown the official video of his riding over the concluding stages of the race. He was told to refrain from using the whip with excessive frequency which would enable him to be of more assistance to his mounts. W C Marwing (CLASSIC ENERGY) explained when the horse had its first race start in Hong Kong, it was decided from a wide barrier to ride the horse quietly. He said on that occasion CLASSIC ENERGY finished its race off nicely. He said at the horse's next start when drawn more favourably, the horse was ridden in a more forward position, however, on that occasion disappointed in the manner in which it had closed its race off. He said therefore today from a wide barrier it was decided CLASSIC ENERGY would again be best suited ridden in a rearward position. He said CLASSIC ENERGY again finished its race off strongly today. MINGS' HERO was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. WINBO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MINGS' HERO and WINBO after the race did not show any significant findings. MONTE CRISTO and CRUSH ON YOU were sent for sampling.