22/03/2009  Shatin  Race 2

After being boxed, FABULOUS START became fractious, reared and momentarily had its left front leg caught over the front gate of its stall. FABULOUS START was removed from its stall and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of FABULOUS START. Before being allowed to race again, FABULOUS START will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DUEL EXPRESS began awkwardly and shifted out abruptly. ALL PROFIT began awkwardly. On jumping, BELIEVE IN CHANGE got its head up and then continued to get its head up when being taken back in the early stages. Shortly after the start, TAI HANG'S PRIDE was checked when awkwardly placed outside BELIEVE IN CHANGE and inside QUANTUM EXPRESS which was carried in slightly by MASTER TOWER. No action was taken. Near the 1000 Metres, QUANTUM EXPRESS, which was travelling keenly, shifted in and bumped REGENCY KINGDOM. When QUANTUM EXPRESS was shifted out to relieve the pressure it had been applying to its inside, it caused inconvenience to GOOD STRIKE and HUMONGUS, both of which were hampered and carried wider across the running of IMPLIED VOLATILITY which as a result was checked. BELIEVE IN CHANGE, which was following, was checked in consequence. Approaching the turn at the 800 Metres, QUANTUM EXPRESS, which was continuing to over-race, was steadied when awkwardly placed between REGENCY KINGDOM and MASTER TOWER. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, REGENCY KINGDOM was momentarily steadied away from the heels of MASTER TOWER. After the 800 Metres, MASTER TOWER was carried to a three wide position without cover and then in the early part of the Straight hung in. On straightening, GOLDEN BAUHINIA was steadied when disappointed for running between DUEL EXPRESS which was commencing to give ground and REGENCY KINGDOM which drifted in slightly. After the 150 Metres, GOOD STRIKE got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly. Because of this, G Mossé, its rider, stopped riding, straightened his mount and shifted away from TAI HANG'S PRIDE which commenced to shift out. QUANTUM EXPRESS, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of GOOD STRIKE. After the 100 Metres, BELIEVE IN CHANGE got its head on the side, shifted in and was checked away from the heels of QUANTUM EXPRESS which shifted out. No action was taken. Over the concluding stages, TRAVEL GUIDE experienced some difficulty obtaining clear running and because of this was not ridden out fully to the end of the race. In the run to the line, REGENCY KINGDOM got its head on the side and hung out. For the major part of the race, TAI HANG'S PRIDE travelled wide and without cover. The performance of HUMONGUS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HUMONGUS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the improved performance of REGENCY KINGDOM, Mr A S Cruz, the trainer of the horse, said from an awkward barrier in its most recent start at Happy Valley, the horse had raced without luck after being ridden along in the early stages to obtain a midfield position. He said REGENCY KINGDOM did not close the race off after being "jostled" in the run. He said today from a more favourable barrier REGENCY KINGDOM was able to travel comfortably in front of midfield. He said REGENCY KINGDOM in his opinion was also suited by today's track conditions with there being some cut in the ground. DUEL EXPRESS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of DUEL EXPRESS after the race did not show any significant findings. REGENCY KINGDOM and GOOD STRIKE were sent for sampling.