15/07/2012  Shatin  Race 3

From the outside barriers, HUMONGUS and KIMBER FORTUNE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early stages, CAGA SPIRIT proved difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. Approaching the 1000 Metres, PAPAS and SCENT OF OSMANTHUS momentarily raced tight outside ROCKET PROUD which shifted out. Near the 650 Metres, KING OF FISH II and THINK BIG raced tight as THINK BIG attempted to shift out from behind LOTUS LOVE. Approaching the 200 Metres, GORGEOUS LIFE was momentarily held up for clear running behind SCENT OF OSMANTHUS and DARK SECRET. Throughout the race, SUPER GENTLEMAN and SCENT OF OSMANTHUS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, K C Leung stated that he had been asked to ride GORGEOUS LIFE in about 5th or 6th position if possible. He said it was felt that there were a number of horses which possess pace drawn to the inside of GORGEOUS LIFE and therefore he was asked to ride the horse along out of the barriers and attempt to obtain a position with cover if possible. He said GORGEOUS LIFE began only fairly and after initially riding his mount along, he observed that PRIMROSE BOY and DARK SECRET, which were drawn to his inside, already had established a margin over GORGEOUS LIFE. He said for this reason, rather than continuing to ride his mount along and risk being left racing wide, he elected to shift GORGEOUS LIFE across behind runners and obtained a position closer to the rail with cover. He said this resulted in GORGEOUS LIFE racing further back in the field than had been intended. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that KIMBER FORTUNE had lost its left hind plate. Also after the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on PRIMROSE BOY at the request of Trainer D J Hall. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, PRIMROSE BOY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of PAPAS after the race did not show any significant findings. ROCKET PROUD and GORGEOUS LIFE were sent for sampling.