01/01/2009  Shatin  Race 7

TELECOM GOGO was slow to begin. HUMONGUS began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped AURELIAN. On jumping, SEA PRINCE lost its footing behind, as a consequence became unbalanced and lost ground. Near the 1200 Metres, SEA PRINCE was checked when crowded for room between NAMJONG SKY (B Prebble) which initially shifted in and AURELIAN which after making contact with HUMONGUS shifted out and bumped SEA PRINCE. In the circumstances, B Prebble was severely reprimanded for causing the initial crowding. In the early stages, when being taken back, RAINBOW STAR proved difficult to settle and got its head up, then making the turn at the 800 Metres hung out and shifted wider on the track. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, SEA PRINCE was carried wider by HUMONGUS which got its head on the side and hung out after being bumped by TELECOM GOGO. At the 800 Metres, AURELIAN was steadied when crowded for room inside the heels of HUMONGUS which at this time was carried in by SEA PRINCE. From shortly after the 600 Metres until near the 500 Metres, AURELIAN was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HUMONGUS. From the 400 Metres until near the 300 Metres, BIG WINNER AGAIN was held up and unable to obtain clear running, then near the 200 Metres was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of SOHNA to continue going forward. In the Straight, NAMJONG SKY hung in and proved difficult to ride. Throughout the race, WITHALLMYHEART travelled wide and without cover. M Du Plessis (SEA PRINCE), which performed poorly, explained after beginning badly his mount raced greenly and suffered interference near the 1200 Metres and again at the 800 Metres. He said as a consequence of these incidents in the early part of the race and due to its greenness, SEA PRINCE failed to close the race off as he had hoped and was disappointing. SEA PRINCE was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of SEA PRINCE after the race did not show any significant findings. EASY WIN and BIG WINNER AGAIN were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HANNAH KING PRAWN had sustained a cut to its mouth and the Veterinary Surgeon reported that HUMONGUS had sustained cuts to both hind legs.