14/11/2010  Shatin  Race 6

A warning was placed upon LONGWAH KID which became fractious in the Parade Ring, resulting in its rider, Apprentice M L Yeung, being dislodged. Apprentice Yeung was examined by the Club’s medical officers and found to be suitable to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements. GRAND DRAGON began awkwardly and lost ground. TEAM WORK and FLYING CHINA were crowded for room shortly after the start between FIRST IN COMMAND and DIAMOND KNIGHT which shifted out. POCKET ROCKETS was slow to begin. At the 400 Metres, FIRST IN COMMAND was steadied when disappointed for running between DIAMOND KNIGHT which shifted out and TRUE VALOUR which shifted in slightly. Near the 300 Metres, EL ZONDA, which was giving ground, was steadied when crowded for room between LONGWAH KID and TAKE THE RAP which shifted in. Passing the 200 Metres, GRAND DRAGON was steadied away from the heels of DEPOSER which shifted in under pressure. Also passing the 200 Metres, GROOVY was awkwardly placed outside the heels of HAPPY REUNION which got its head on the side and shifted out. Inside the final 100 Metres, GROOVY was held up for clear running and consequently was not ridden out right to the end of the race as it normally would be. After the race, Z Purton reported that EL ZONDA raced disappointingly today. He said the horse raced a touch closer than had been the case previously due to the tempo of the race in the early stages. He said however that EL ZONDA came under pressure a long way from the finish. A veterinary inspection of EL ZONDA after the race did not show any significant findings. B Prebble (LUCKY RED) reported that his mount travelled only fairly in the early stages and changed lead legs on a number of occasions during the race. He said after this LUCKY RED uncharacteristically came off the bridle and was most disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY RED after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of LUCKY RED was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY RED 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 DIAMOND KNIGHT after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, DIAMOND KNIGHT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GRAND DRAGON had lost its right front plate. HAPPY REUNION, FIRST IN COMMAND and TRUE VALOUR were sent for sampling.