13/11/2011  Shatin  Race 10

CHATER MIKADO was slow to begin. TUSCAN SPIRIT shifted out at the start, resulting in ROYAL FLUSH, TIME AFTER TIME and PERFECT GEAR all being badly crowded for room inside JUMBO GOLD which itself became unbalanced when bumped by PERFECT GEAR. In the early stages, ROYAL FLUSH proved very difficult to settle and for the majority of the race travelled wide and without cover. Approaching the 900 Metres, LONGWAH SUPREME got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of KING MOSSMAN. Near the 850 Metres, TUSCAN SPIRIT was checked when crowded for room between GOLDEN BAUHINIA which was taken out by LONGWAH SUPREME which got its head on the side and shifted out and ROYAL FLUSH (B Doyle) which shifted in. B Doyle was advised that there was a contributing shift from the inside of TUSCAN SPIRIT in this incident, however, he had permitted ROYAL FLUSH to shift in when not clear of TUSCAN SPIRIT. He was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Passing the 700 Metres, LONGWAH SUPREME was steadied away from the heels of TOUCH GO. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CHATER MIKADO, B Prebble stated that as is usual, CHATER MIKADO travelled towards the rear of the field. He said CHATER MIKADO travelled only fairly during the race and at the entrance to the Straight was shifted to the inside of SUPER BOY when disappointed for running between that horse and TUSCAN SPIRIT. He said after this CHATER MIKADO did not close off its race as strongly as it had at Happy Valley at its most recent start when successful. He added, in his opinion, CHATER MIKADO appeared to race better at Happy Valley than Sha Tin. A veterinary inspection of CHATER MIKADO after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on ROYAL FLUSH at the request of Trainer A T Millard. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, ROYAL FLUSH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LONGWAH SUPREME, BULLISH CHAMPION and KING MOSSMAN were sent for sampling. <14/11/2011 Additional Veterinary Report>After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on PIZZAZZ at the request of Trainer P O Sullivan. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, PIZZAZZ will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.