19/01/2014  Shatin  Race 1

NATURAL CHAMPION began awkwardly. YOUNG WARRIOR lost ground soon after the start after becoming unbalanced when buffeted for room for some distance between ELEPHANT MAGIC and SERENDIPITY, both of which shifted ground marginally. Approaching the 700 Metres, NATURAL CHAMPION commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when being checked away from the heels of SPECTACULAR AWARD which travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. Passing the 500 Metres, SPECTACULAR AWARD and BERNARD’S CHOICE bumped. COSMO ONE was shifted out across the heels of ELEPHANT MAGIC passing the 300 Metres to obtain clear running and in doing so bumped CLASSIC FIGURE, causing that horse to become unbalanced. After being awkwardly placed close to the heels of CLASSIC FIGURE passing the 250 Metres, YOUNG WARRIOR, for some distance after the 200 Metres, was steadied when held up for clear running after being disappointed for running between CLASSIC FIGURE and SPECTACULAR AWARD. YOUNG WARRIOR was then unable to obtain clear running for the remainder of the race and consequently was not able to be properly tested. For the majority of the race, BERNARD’S CHOICE travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. After the race, B Prebble (ELEPHANT MAGIC) expressed concern over the horse’s action. A veterinary inspection of ELEPHANT MAGIC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings other than an abrasion to the back of the left hind leg. A veterinary inspection of BERNARD’S CHOICE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. YOUNG WARRIOR, O’HALO and COSMO ONE were sent for sampling.