27/12/2011  Shatin  Race 2

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that MEGA CHAMPION had twisted its right front plate. This plate was refitted. MEGA CHAMPION was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. EN MASSE was slow to begin. Soon after the start, F S WINNER was hampered when bumped by GLOBAL FAME which in turn shifted in after being bumped by TAKE THE RAP. RIDE ON THE FIRE got its head up and raced ungenerously in the early stages when being taken back across behind runners to find cover. Approaching the 800 Metres, CAPITAL CHAMPION commenced to over-race and was checked away from the heels of TAKE THE RAP for some distance. For some distance after the 800 Metres, MEGA CHAMPION raced in restricted room and ultimately was steadied and lost its position when crowded between EN MASSE and TAKE THE RAP (M Barzalona) which shifted out around the heels of GOLD RACER. M Barzalona was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he exercises more care in similar circumstances. On the Home Turn, MEGA CHAMPION became awkward on the heels of TAKE THE RAP and lost further ground. Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, SURFER BOY was inclined to hang out, obliging its rider, C W Wong, to change the whip into his left hand. CAPITAL CHAMPION was held up for clear running from soon after straightening until after passing the 200 Metres. SURFER BOY shifted out over the concluding stages, inconveniencing SMART TOUCH. Throughout the race, SUGAR PEGASUS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Beadman (GLOBAL FAME) stated that approaching the Home Turn after becoming awkwardly placed on the heels of MEGA CHAMPION, he shifted out which resulted in GLOBAL FAME making contact with RIDE ON THE FIRE. He said that after being then held up on the heels of EN MASSE, he attempted to come to the outside of that runner on straightening, however, he was unable to do so when EN MASSE shifted out. He said at this stage rather than continue to shift out off the heels of EN MASSE, as GLOBAL FAME, due to its inexperience, had become unbalanced, he chose to continue to follow EN MASSE for a short distance to have it rebalance and moreover he was reluctant to shift out further as he may have caused further inconvenience to RIDE ON THE FIRE. He added that inside the 400 Metres he considered coming to the inside of the heels of EN MASSE to proceed forward, however, when he realized that there was no run available and after being slightly held up, he then shifted around the heels of EN MASSE at the 250 Metres. He said from this point GLOBAL FAME let down well and closed off the race strongly. D Beadman was advised that his explanation would be noted, however, where circumstances permit, he should position himself so as to obtain clear and unimpeded running as soon as it becomes available. When questioned, D Whyte stated that after meeting with interference in the middle stages, MEGA CHAMPION came under pressure soon after straightening, however, failed to respond to his riding and was disappointing. He did say that during its preliminary MEGA CHAMPION coughed on one occasion and that the horse also coughed on pulling up. A veterinary inspection of MEGA CHAMPION after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a mild amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of RIDE ON THE FIRE after the race did not show any significant findings. GOLD RACER and CAPITAL CHAMPION were sent for sampling.