04/01/2009  Shatin  Race 8

On jumping, ROYAL PEGASUS was taken across behind runners. DISGUISE and SIR ERNESTO were slow to begin. In the early and middle stages, HURRICANE DASH travelled very keenly and pulled its way into a forward position. After the 1200 Metres, SIR ERNESTO, which was proving very difficult to settle, also pulled its way into a forward position. SIR ERNESTO continued to prove difficult to settle in the middle stages. Approaching the 600 Metres, HURRICANE DASH, which continued to be difficult to settle, was steadied away from the heels of SILVER SUN. After the 600 Metres, HURRICANE DASH endeavoured to shift out from behind SILVER SUN and in doing so bumped MORE BOUNTIFUL on several occasions as MORE BOUNTIFUL held its ground. Prior to straightening, HURRICANE DASH was steadied when disappointed for running between SILVER SUN and MORE BOUNTIFUL. DISGUISE, which was following, was steadied and shifted out to avoid the heels of HURRICANE DASH. After the 400 Metres, HURRICANE DASH and BLESSING bumped and became unbalanced when endeavouring to improve into a run between SILVER SUN and DISGUISE. In this incident, DISGUISE was bumped on the hindquarters and became unbalanced. At the 300 Metres, HURRICANE DASH, which was giving ground, was steadied away from the heels of BLESSING. Apprentice K C Leung (BLESSING) explained he had been instructed to ride his mount back from a wide barrier. He said he had been informed prior to the race that BLESSING had performed well when being ridden in a similar manner at its races prior to arriving in Hong Kong. He said BLESSING travelled satisfactorily throughout the race, in the early part of the Straight experienced difficulty obtaining clear running and then closed the race off nicely. When questioned, O Doleuze (YANKEE) explained he had intended to ride his mount in what was anticipated to be a slowly run race in a forward position if it began satisfactorily. He said YANKEE began badly, he then rode his mount along for a short distance in an endeavour to go forward, however, YANKEE did not respond to his riding. He said because of this he decided to allow YANKEE a chance to travel comfortably which resulted in it racing in a rearward position. He said at no stage of the race did YANKEE travel well, making the turn at the 800 Metres he endeavoured to improve his position, however, became awkwardly placed outside BLESSING and inside the heels of GREAT GUY. He said after being bumped by BLESSING, YANKEE shifted out and was checked away from the heels of GREAT GUY. He said in the Straight when placed under pressure YANKEE kept on only one-paced and disappointed him. YANKEE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, YANKEE was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, YANKEE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HURRICANE DASH was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of HURRICANE DASH after the race did not show any significant findings. MORE BOUNTIFUL and DISGUISE were sent for sampling.