27/11/2011  Shatin  Race 8

WHAT A HEART blundered at the start and consequently lost ground. Making the first turn near the 700 Metres, HAWTHORNE got its head on the side and hung out, resulting in GOLDEN BAUHINIA, which was racing wide and without cover, being taken wider. Near the 100 Metres, WHAT A HEART was steadied away from the heels of EVER BEAUTY which was taken in by SPEECHMAKER. Throughout the race, HORSE OF FLAME travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SHIBALA, H W Lai said that he was obliged to ride the horse along aggressively in the early stages to obtain a forward position as instructed. He said SHIBALA travelled only fairly throughout the race and then when placed under pressure did not respond to his riding. He added that he had ridden SHIBALA in a piece of work in the lead up to today’s race and, in his opinion, that work was only fair. He said whilst SHIBALA was up in grade today, the horse was disappointing in its failure to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of SHIBALA after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SHINING TRIUMPH after the race revealed that the horse was lame in its right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, SHINING TRIUMPH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of HAWTHORNE after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that WHAT A HEART had sustained minor cuts to the outside of the left front cannon. WHAT A HEART, PALEPALE and HANDSOME BATCHELOR were sent for sampling.