01/01/2009  Shatin  Race 3

ENERGETIC BOY began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped DECAGONAL. WONDER KID and SPEED OF LIGHT were slow into stride. LIGHTNING MOUNT was slow to begin. RISING WIN began awkwardly, bumped the outside gate of its stall and lost ground. At the 700 Metres, DECAGONAL, which was racing ungenerously, became unbalanced and was checked when momentarily crowded for room inside SERIOUS PLAY (H W Lai) which got its head on the side and shifted in slightly away from ELEPHANT STAR. SPEED OF LIGHT, which was following, was checked in consequence. H W Lai was severely reprimanded and told to ensure he does his utmost to allow other runners comfortable racing room at all times. After the 500 Metres, DECAGONAL, which was continuing to race ungenerously, was steadied when momentarily crowded for room inside SERIOUS PLAY which was continuing to race with its head on the side and shifted in slightly. Over the final 200 Metres, TREMENDOUS PLUS hung in. For the major part of the race, WATCHMAN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of ELEPHANT STAR, W M Lai said his mount did not handle the step up in distance to the 1600 Metres of today’s race at the first time of asking. He said ELEPHANT STAR travelled wide and without cover throughout the race, however, the horse had performed well when travelling in a similar position over shorter distances in the past. He said ELEPHANT STAR travelled satisfactorily until after the 400 Metres and then initially kept on only fairly. He said ELEPHANT STAR gave ground noticeably over the final 200 Metres. ELEPHANT STAR was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of ELEPHANT STAR after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SUPER IDEAL, D Whyte said the horse from the outside barrier was ridden in a rearward position, the same as at its most recent start. He said SUPER IDEAL travelled satisfactorily until being placed under pressure after straightening. He said at this time SUPER IDEAL did not respond to his riding and failed to close the race off. He said in the Straight SUPER IDEAL hung in as it has done in the past. SUPER IDEAL was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, SUPER IDEAL was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. The performance of SUPER IDEAL, which finished distanced, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER IDEAL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TREMENDOUS PLUS and SPEED OF LIGHT were sent for sampling.