07/10/2007  Shatin  Race 10

NICE KING was slow to begin. GRAND STORE began awkwardly. When being steadied passing the 1200 Metres, GRAND STORE proved difficult to settle and threw its head in the air. Rounding the Home Turn, BILLION was buffeted when crowded for room between FAIR WIN which shifted in slightly and GRAND STORE (M W Leung) which at this time shifted towards the outside of ELEGANT KING PRAWN. In the circumstances, M W Leung was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure he leaves sufficient racing room for his fellow riders in future. NICE KING, which was following BILLION, was checked off the heels of that horse in consequence. ENCORE WIN was held up for running in the early part of the Straight. NICE KING hung in in the Straight and in the early part of the Straight proved difficult to ride. WHIPLASH travelled wide and without cover throughout the race and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of WHIPLASH was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WHIPLASH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CONGRATULATION, F Coetzee said he was instructed to lead on the horse from his wide draw. He said CONGRATULATION hung in in the early stages which resulted in him having to make use of the horse in order to clear runners to his inside and lead. He said once obtaining the lead CALIFORNIA LUCK raced to his outside which meant CONGRATULATION was unable to get a soft sectional in the middle stages of the race. He said due to the manner in which he had to make use of the horse in the early stages CONGRATULATION was then unable to respond to his riding in the Straight. WHIPLASH and CONGRATULATION were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of WHIPLASH and CONGRATULATION after the race did not show any significant findings. NICE KING, VICTORY TURBO and MERIDIAN PRIDE were sent for sampling.