05/05/2013  Shatin  Race 9

AMBER SKY began very awkwardly and shifted out abruptly, resulting in FINAL ANSWER being badly crowded for room inside TOUCH GO which also became unbalanced. IMPERIAL ROME was checked at the start when crowded for room between STRAIGHT GOLD which was taken out by SHAHJEE which shifted out and NEW DEERFIELD which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. BULLISH FRIEND began awkwardly. Passing the 1100 Metres, COSMIC BOOM was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHAHJEE when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse. At the 1000 Metres, BULLISH FRIEND and SHAHJEE bumped. Passing the 1000 Metres, MASQUERADER commenced to race keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TOUCH GO. Passing the 900 Metres, CELESTIAL CENTURY commenced to prove difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of LITTLE COW for some distance. After the 200 Metres, MASQUERADER got its head on the side and shifted out under pressure. Throughout the race, COUR VALANT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Whyte stated that he had been asked to ride COSMIC BOOM in about a midfield position or just in advance of midfield as it was felt that there were a number of speed horses in the race and that, from barrier 12, COSMIC BOOM would have to be ridden along to cross runners to its inside to avoid racing wide. He said it was also felt that with 127 lbs COSMIC BOOM may not be able to finish off the race were it be required to be ridden in this fashion in the early stages. He said although awkwardly placed close to the heels of COUR VALANT approaching the 600 Metres, COSMIC BOOM finished off the race satisfactorily when ridden in a position about midfield. Trainer J Moore confirmed the instructions given to Jockey Whyte and the reasons for giving those instructions. He said he was mindful of the speed runners in the race which were primarily drawn better than COSMIC BOOM. A veterinary inspection of AMBER SKY including an endoscopic examination immediately following the race showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, AMBER SKY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of LITTLE COW immediately following the race revealed the horse to be a “roarer” which had previously been reported. A veterinary inspection of STRAIGHT GOLD and BUNDLE OF LOVE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LITTLE COW, BULLISH FRIEND and SHAHJEE were sent for sampling. <6/5/2013 Additional Veterinary Report> BUNDLE OF LOVE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. BUNDLE OF LOVE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer J Size this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, BUNDLE OF LOVE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.