09/04/2012  Shatin  Race 10

ST DIDAR began very awkwardly, threw its head up and struck U Rispoli, its rider, in the head. After the race, U Rispoli was examined by the Club’s medical officers and passed fit to fulfil his remaining riding engagement. I SMELL MONEY began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped CHINA POWER. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, CHINA POWER was slow to muster speed. Shortly after the start, CHEETAH BOY was steadied away from the heels of FINAL ANSWER (B Prebble) which shifted in when not properly clear. B Prebble was reprimanded. After this incident, CHEETAH BOY got its head on the side and lay out and because of this travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. From wide barriers, MY NAME IS BOND and FLASHING AURA were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 650 Metres, WITHINMYHEART got its head on the side and was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHINA POWER. Approaching the 100 Metres, ELEGANCE DESIRE was steadied away from the heels of WITHINMYHEART which shifted to the outside of NEW GLORY into clear running. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of M L Yeung (WITHINMYHEART), 5th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on CHARITY SPIRIT at the request of Trainer C S Shum. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, CHARITY SPIRIT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ELEGANCE DESIRE and ST DIDAR had each lost its right front plate. A veterinary inspection of FLASHING AURA, CHINA POWER and I SMELL MONEY after the race did not show any significant findings. REGENCY LUCK, FINAL ANSWER and CHEETAH BOY were sent for sampling.