08/09/2012  Shatin  Race 6

TRIUMPHANT WAY began awkwardly. KING OF WINE and SUPREME GENKI were slow to begin. From wide barriers, WHY NOT an SMILING WATCH were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 1300 Metres, LORD DRAGON, STEP HIGH and SOLDIER were taken wider by TRENDSETTER which shifted out after being brushed by LUCKY NISTELROOY. After the 1200 Metres, LORD DRAGON, which was racing wide, was allowed to improve to obtain a position closer to the rail. After the 1000 Metres, SOLDIER was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 900 Metres, KHARU proved difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY NISTELROOY for some distance. Near the 850 Metres, WHY NOT (Apprentice K C Ng) struck the heels of DIAMOND ANGEL and blundered after DIAMOND ANGEL shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of TRIUMPHANT WAY which also got its head on the side and shifted out slightly. In this incident, Apprentice Ng became badly unbalanced in the saddle and passing the 800 Metres was dislodged from WHY NOT. As the Stewards were of the opinion that there was no rider error involved in this incident, rather it occurred as a result of the circumstances of the race, no further action was taken. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that WHY NOT had sustained a small wound to the inside of the right hock. After being dislodged from WHY NOT, Apprentice Ng was examined by the Club’s medical officers and passed fit to fulfil his remaining riding engagement. Approaching the 300 Metres, TRENDSETTER was steadied away from the heels of SOLDIER which shifted in. KHARU was not able to obtain clear running until passing the 150 Metres. GOOD HONG KONG had difficulty obtaining clear running until approaching the 100 Metres. After the race, B Prebble stated that THANKSGIVING over-raced in the early and middle stages and because of this, in his opinion, the horse was not able to finish off its race. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME GENKI and THANKSGIVING after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on GOOD HONG KONG at the request of Trainer C S Shum. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, GOOD HONG KONG will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOOD HONG KONG, SMILING WATCH and SOLDIER were sent for sampling.