18/09/2011  Shatin  Race 8

BRIGHTEXPECTATIONS was slow to begin and then despite being ridden along in the early stages failed to muster speed. Shortly after the start, LUCKY BRAVO was steadied when crowded for room between HAPPY REUNION and EL MORRO, both of which shifted ground. After the 800 Metres, BRIGHTEXPECTATIONS got its head on the side and hung out. Passing the 700 Metres, LUCKY BRAVO was shifted out away from the heels of EL ZONDA. Rounding the Home Turn, EL MORRO and POCKET ROCKETS brushed. Near the 250 Metres, LUCKY BRAVO was shifted in away from the heels of PROLIFIC CHAMPION. HAPPY REUNION (T Clark) hung in in the Straight and proved difficult to ride. T Clark dropped his right rein approaching the 200 Metres. Over the concluding stages, SHINING VICTORY raced tight inside NIGHTLIGN which shifted in. Because of this, SHINING VICTORY was not ridden out to the end of the race. For the majority of the race, POCKET ROCKETS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, J Lloyd (EL ZONDA) stated that shortly after entering into the Straight he formed the opinion that the rider of SHINING VICTORY was angling that horse out to obtain clear running. He said for this reason he improved his position inside of SHINING VICTORY in the hope that he would be able to obtain a run to the outside of BULLISH KING. He said however that SHINING VICTORY was then directed back in by its rider, however, he continued to ride EL ZONDA along in the hope that he could be first to obtain the run between BULLISH KING and EL MORRO. He added however that he was beaten for this run by SHINING VICTORY and because of this had to be steadied when disappointed for running between that horse and BULLISH KING. He said that passing the 250 Metres he directed his mount to the inside of BULLISH KING in an attempt to obtain clear running, however, in his opinion, there was insufficient room to the inside of BULLISH KING which was commencing to give ground and was shifting in slightly. He added as he did not believe there was sufficient room to continue improving, he checked his mount for some distance before directing EL ZONDA to the outside of BULLISH KING. He said as he did this, BULLISH KING shifted back out slightly, however, at that time EL ZONDA was out of contention. After viewing the video, the Stewards accepted J Lloyd’s explanation and no further action was taken. A veterinary inspection of EL MORRO after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, EL MORRO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of POCKET ROCKETS after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PRETTY ONE had lost its right front plate. SHINING VICTORY, PRETTY ONE and HAPPY REUNION were sent for sampling.