22/12/2012  Shatin  Race 1

DEMON DEMON, which was reported to have been kicked by another runner when parading behind the barriers, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After being loaded, JADE PIPPO became fractious. Before being allowed to race again, JADE PIPPO will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. As the start was effected, MAN AND MING lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently lost ground. MOBILE KING began awkwardly. DEMON DEMON began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped FLYING SUPREME. LUCKY OMENS was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, JADE PIPPO was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 900 Metres, MOBILE KING became badly unbalanced and lost ground when momentarily placed in restricted room inside MAN AND MING which itself was racing tight inside PURE VICTORY (K C Leung). Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that MOBILE KING’s racing manners had contributed to this incident, nonetheless K C Leung was advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside in future. Approaching the first turn, GOLDEN LEGEND got its head on the side and hung out badly. GOLDEN LEGEND continued to hang out until straightening. The performance of GOLDEN LEGEND, which consequently travelled wide and without cover throughout and finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GOLDEN LEGEND will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Making the first turn near the 850 Metres, JADE PIPPO got its head on the side and shifted out, resulting in BERNARD’S CHOICE being taken wider. At the entrance to the Straight, STAR OF FAME was shifted out abruptly away from the heels of GOLDEN LEGEND which was commencing to give ground. Passing the 400 Metres, JADE PIPPO was shifted out away from the heels of FLYING SUPREME. Near the 300 Metres, LUCKY OMENS was shifted out away from the heels of JOYFUL WINNER II which shifted ground slightly. Passing the 300 Metres, MAN AND MING, which was attempting to find clear running, shifted out and bumped NATURAL FLAME. Then passing the 200 Metres, MAN AND MING was checked away from the heels of KARL MARX and shifted out, resulting in NATURAL FLAME being hampered. Passing the 150 Metres, KARL MARX became momentarily unbalanced when racing in restricted room between STAR OF FAME and LUCKY OMENS which shifted out to obtain clear running. DEMON DEMON, LUCKY OMENS and STAR OF FAME were sent for sampling.