27/11/2011  Shatin  Race 7

From the outside barrier, BOUNCER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start and despite being ridden along became detached from the field in the early stages. Passing the 800 Metres, WRATH OF FIRE was taken wider by GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR which shifted out away from the heels of LIBERATOR when proving difficult to settle. ENABLING and EASTERN EMPIRE, which were following WRATH OF FIRE, were hampered in consequence and BURGUNDY MAC, which was following EASTERN EMPIRE, was shifted out to avoid the heels of that horse. After this, BURGUNDY MAC was left racing wide and without cover. For the majority of the race, WRATH OF FIRE travelled wide and without cover. The performance of MALHECHOR GOLD, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MALHECHOR 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. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HOLLYWOOD KISS, Y T Cheng stated that unlike at its most recent start, he was obliged to make considerable use of the horse to obtain a forward position. He said as he had been instructed to lead on the rail, he rode HOLLYWOOD KISS aggressively in the early and middle stages in an endeavour to prevent HAPPY SEVEN from crossing to the rail. He said however as that horse appeared to be travelling much better than HOLLYWOOD KISS, he was not able to maintain his position inside that horse and HAPPY SEVEN was able to cross HOLLYWOOD KISS after the 1200 Metres. He said as soon as this occurred, HOLLYWOOD KISS came off the bridle and was reluctant to stretch out despite being ridden along. He added that in the Straight HOLLYWOOD KISS continued to give ground and did not respond to his riding at any stage. A veterinary inspection of HOLLYWOOD KISS after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HOLLYWOOD KISS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HOLLYWOOD KISS 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 ENABLING after the race revealed that the horse had sustained a cut to the right hock. LIBERATOR, FUN HEROES and SUPER BOBO were sent for sampling.