25/11/2012  Shatin  Race 2

DYNAMIC CROSS was a late withdrawal when the horse was found to have blood at the right nostril in the Parade Ring. An endoscopic examination of DYNAMIC CROSS showed that horse not to be an official bleeder. Before being allowed to race again, DYNAMIC CROSS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. From the outside barrier, NEWSWIRE TOO was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1000 Metres, REAL GENERAL and WIND CHARGER were crowded for room inside QUIET CONFIDENCE which was shifted in away from the heels of ALP’S GLORY (R Fourie) which shifted in when not properly clear. R Fourie was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. After this, QUIET CONFIDENCE was left racing wide and without cover. REAL GENERAL was shifted out after the 400 Metres to obtain clear running after being held up in the early part of the Straight. When questioned, K C Leung stated that it had been intended for ISLAND SPRING to be ridden in a forward position as it was at its most recent start when successful, however, despite being ridden along in the early stages did not display the same early speed. He said after riding the horse along positively in the early stages, he elected to shift ISLAND SPRING across behind runners approaching the 1300 Metres so as to obtain cover. He said after the 600 Metres ISLAND SPRING came off the bridle and he had to ride the horse along aggressively in order to have it maintain its position. He said after this ISLAND SPRING finished off the race only one paced. He did say that, in his opinion, ISLAND SPRING was disappointing in that it failed to travel throughout the race as it did at its most recent start. A veterinary inspection of ISLAND SPRING after the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped. A veterinary inspection of ALMIGHTY WINDPOWER revealed the horse to have bled from both nostrils. REAL GENERAL and HURRY HURRY UP were sent for sampling.