21/02/2010  Shatin  Race 11

FLYING IN was withdrawn on 19.2.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (groin infection) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter LAMBRO (B Prebble). Before being allowed to race again, FLYING IN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GREEN JACKET and DIEGO were slow to begin. PRIME CHAMPION was slow to begin and shortly after the start was crowded for room between GRAND STORE and AMIGO. Near the 1300 Metres, BULLISH GOLD was steadied away from the heels of QUICK TOUCH which was taken in by MAELSTROM (J Victoire). J Victoire was severely reprimanded and advised to make sure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Passing the 800 Metres, BULLISH GOLD was checked away from the heels of AMIGO which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MAELSTROM. In this incident, BULLISH GOLD shifted out and bumped VIVA FIGHTER. A short distance later, GREEN JACKET, which was following BULLISH GOLD, improved to be racing to the inside of that horse where there was insufficient room and as a consequence was steadied. After the 800 Metres, QUICK TOUCH was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 150 Metres, DIEGO, which was held up for clear running, BOSS and MAELSTROM were all crowded for room inside QUICK TOUCH which got its head on the side and hung in away from AMIGO. Then, near the 100 Metres, AMIGO shifted in slightly before being corrected by its rider, resulting in QUICK TOUCH being taken in, causing MAELSTROM, BOSS and DIEGO to be checked when further crowded for room. When questioned, G Mossé stated that he had been instructed to obtain cover on BULLISH GOLD in a position behind the speed if possible. He said it was anticipated that the pace of the race would be good and therefore too much use would have to be made of BULLISH GOLD if it were to be ridden in a position near the lead. He said in accordance with his instructions, he did not ride his mount along in the early part of the race, but rather he looked to obtain cover. He said near the 1300 Metres BULLISH GOLD was steadied away from the heels of QUICK TOUCH and this resulted in the horse racing further back in the field than had been anticipated. A veterinary inspection of BULLISH GOLD after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, BULLISH GOLD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of REGENCY WINNER after the race did not show any significant findings. GREEN JACKET, AMIGO and QUICK TOUCH were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that DIEGO had lost its left front plate.