02/11/2008  Shatin  Race 1

After arriving at the Start, the tongue tie worn by PLEASURE PLEASURE was refitted. When the gates opened, HOT SUN became fractious, was slow to begin and as a consequence lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, HOT SUN will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. On jumping, SURE GAIN blundered and almost fell. As a consequence, SURE GAIN lost ground. Also on jumping, when being taken back, SO NICE got its head up. Near the 1200 Metres, FIRST KNIGHT was crowded for room inside SURE GAIN which was checked to avoid the heels of CLASSIC HORSE (B Doyle) which got its head on the side and shifted in away from DECENT FELLOW. B Doyle was severely reprimanded and told in similar circumstances he would be expected to make a greater effort than he did on this occasion to protect his fellow riders. After this, CLASSIC HORSE continued to hang in for the remainder of the race. At the 1100 Metres, FIRST KNIGHT was steadied away from the heels of CLASSIC HORSE which shifted in while continuing to hang. In the early stages, PLEASURE PLEASURE proved difficult to settle. Making the turn near the 900 Metres, SO NICE, which hung out for the major part of the race, was steadied away from the heels of PLENTY OF TALENT which was ridden along in an endeavour to maintain its position and shifted in. For a considerable distance after the 400 Metres, NEWSWIRE TOO had difficulty obtaining clear running. For the major part of the race, HOT SUN travelled wide and without cover. SURE GAIN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, SURE GAIN was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse had sustained a laceration to the right front coronet. Before being allowed to race again, SURE GAIN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPREME COMMANDER and FIRST KNIGHT were sent for sampling.