06/12/2008  Shatin  Race 9

MAGIC TEMPLE was slow to begin. On jumping, CENTURY SUPER STAR was crowded for room inside LOCAL POWER which shifted in. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, LOCAL POWER failed to muster speed. Shortly after entering the Back Straight, ONE TOUCH became badly unbalanced and was eased out of the race. SUPER PEGASUS, which was following, was checked and shifted out to avoid the heels of ONE TOUCH. Inconvenience was also caused to LOCAL POWER which was shifted out. Near the 1000 Metres, POS TRUMPS was checked when crowded for room inside ONE TOUCH which when continuing to give ground shifted in away from SUPER PEGASUS. When POS TRUMPS checked, SECRET OF KINGS, CENTURY SUPER STAR and MAGIC TEMPLE were hampered in consequence. Also near the 1000 Metres, ROCKET WIN was shifted out away from ONE TOUCH, then travelled without cover for the remainder of the race. Making the turn at the 700 Metres, VIVA FIGHTER was steadied when momentarily crowded for room inside SUPREME GOLD. From on straightening until the 200 Metres, SUPREME GOLD was held up and unable to improve. At the 150 Metres, POS TRUMPS was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of CENTURY SUPER STAR which shifted in when barely clear. VIVA FIGHTER and LOCAL POWER were sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, VIVA FIGHTER was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of LOCAL POWER after the race did not show any significant findings. POS TRUMPS, SEA TREASURE and MAGIC TEMPLE were sent for sampling. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on POS TRUMPS at the request of Trainer P O’Sullivan. The Veterinary Officer said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, POS TRUMPS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TERRIFIC BRETHREN had lost its left front plate.