05/11/2011  Shatin  Race 7

TIME RUNNER began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the outside gate of its stall. From a wide barrier, PERFECT FIT was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. At the 600 Metres, TIME RUNNER commenced to give ground, shifted out and bumped SMART CHOICE which became unbalanced. After this, TIME RUNNER continued to give ground and in the Straight tailed out. A veterinary inspection of TIME RUNNER after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of TIME RUNNER was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TIME RUNNER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. For the majority of the race, SMART CHOICE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, H W Lai stated that after the 800 Metres he rode FREE AND EASY along to cross GREEN ZONE so as to race outside the leader, WHAT A HEART. He said despite being ridden along FREE AND EASY did not show sufficient pace to clear GREEN ZONE which at this time was also ridden along to maintain its position inside FREE AND EASY. He said because of this he was not able to shift across to race outside WHAT A HEART and consequently travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HEARTLAND, G Mossé stated that after beginning only fairly, he rode HEARTLAND along in the early stages to obtain a forward position as instructed. He said although HEARTLAND was obliged to race wide throughout the event, he was able to obtain cover behind FREE AND EASY for the majority of the race. He added rounding the Home Turn he shifted HEARTLAND to the outside of FREE AND EASY, however, it quickly came under pressure and then was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of HEARTLAND after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT FIT after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. GREEN ZONE and WHAT A HEART were sent for sampling.