16/05/2010  Shatin  Race 3

FOREST FOUNTAIN was slow to begin. SPEED RACER and SOLITAIRE bumped at the start. TOUCH LUCKY began awkwardly. After this, TOUCH LUCKY was ridden along, however, failed to muster speed and raced back in the field. Making the first turn, CLOVIS was momentarily crowded for room inside LANCELOT which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of WINFINDER. Near the 600 Metres, FOREST FOUNTAIN, which was hanging in, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DECENT FELLOW which shifted out slightly. Near the 300 Metres, ROCKALOT was steadied away from the heels of STAR OF CHIU TON. After this, ROCKALOT was checked for some distance when held up for clear running behind WINFINDER and SOLITAIRE, both of which were giving ground. Near the 100 Metres, ROCKALOT was shifted out to obtain clear running. Passing the 250 Metres, STAR OF CHIU TON was shifted out from behind SOLITAIRE to obtain clear running. Approaching the 200 Metres, FOREST FOUNTAIN was checked when crowded for room between TOUCH LUCKY and DECENT FELLOW (Apprentice C Y Ho) which at this time got its head on the side and shifted out and away from STAR OF CHIU TON. Apprentice Ho was reprimanded and advised that whilst he did make an effort to prevent DECENT FELLOW from shifting ground, he should have made more of an effort sooner than he did on this occasion. The Stewards also took into account Apprentice Ho’s relative inexperience in riding in Hong Kong. Over the final 100 Metres, WADASURPRISE shifted out under pressure and then over the concluding stages shifted out abruptly towards WAIT FOR ME. In the Straight, SPEED RACER shifted out under pressure and drifted to the outside fence. Throughout the race, LANCELOT travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of LANCELOT after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, LANCELOT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WAIF FOR ME, DECENT FELLOW and WADASURPRISE were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SPEED RACER had lost its right front plate.