22/11/2009  Shatin  Race 1

SUPER IDEAL was slow to begin and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of GREAT SHOW which shifted out. HUMONGUS began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped SHATIN TREASURE. GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY was slow to begin. Near the 1800 Metres, GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of PERFECT MATCH. The Stewards considered a protest/objection lodged by J Lloyd, the rider of the second placegetter, FISHKING EXCELLENT, against MYTHIC STEED (O Doleuze) being declared the winner alleging interference over the final 200 Metres. The Stewards found that inside the 200 Metres FISHKING EXCELLENT shifted in away from MYTHIC STEED which also shifted in, then inside the 100 Metres FISHKING EXCELLENT and MYTHIC STEED brushed as a result of MYTHIC STEED shifting in. Whilst the Stewards were of the view there was minor contact between both runners inside the 100 Metres, they could not be comfortably satisfied that had the minor interference not have taken place that FISHKING EXCELLENT would have beaten MYTHIC STEED, therefore the protest/objection was overruled and correct weight was declared on the numbers as semaphored by the Judge. Throughout the race, NATURAL ECHO travelled wide and without cover. Apprentice K W Leung (GREAT SHOW) was warned against the practice of using the whip on a horse out of contention. The performance of SPEED AND GOLD, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SPEED AND GOLD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of GREAT SHOW after the race revealed that the horse had bled from both nostrils. PERFECT MATCH, MYTHIC STEED and FISHKING EXCELLENT were sent for sampling.