15/02/2009  Shatin  Race 3

When being saddled, FOREVER FRIENDSHIP became fractious, reared, hit its head in the saddling stalls and then collapsed. On advice from the Veterinary Officer that FOREVER FRIENDSHIP was not suitable to race, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of the horse. ZAM ZAMMAH began awkwardly, bounded in the air and lost ground. FAT CHOY ICHIBAN was slow to begin and then lost further ground after being bumped by NOBLE DE BEST which shifted in. From the outside barrier in the early stages, MASCOT FORTUNE was taken back. For some distance after the 1000 Metres, ZAM ZAMMAH, which had been ridden along to make up ground, raced keenly and on a number of occasions got its head up when being steadied. In the early stages, SUPER SATIN was taken back to a position with cover. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, MASCOT FORTUNE became unbalanced after being bumped by SUPER SATIN which was carried out by ZAM ZAMMAH. Approaching the 200 Metres, FAT CHOY ICHIBAN, which was experiencing difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of WIND KNIGHT. Throughout the race, WIND KNIGHT and NOBLE DE BEST travelled wide and without cover. MASCOT FORTUNE and KINGIFLY were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MASCOT FORTUNE after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, KINGIFLY 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, KINGIFLY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TUSCAN SPIRIT and SOARING RIVER were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ZAM ZAMMAH had lost its right front plate.