14/10/2007  Shatin  Race 11

HAWKES BAY was withdrawn on 13.10.07 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind foot). Before being allowed to race again, HAWKES BAY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SECRET OF KINGS began awkwardly and lost ground. WIN PRACTITIONER was slow to begin. After the 1000 Metres, FELLOWSHIP, which was proving difficult to settle, was checked to avoid the heels of MAVERICK STAR which itself when proving difficult to settle was checked away from the heels of RICE FIELD. FEARLESS, which was following, was hampered in consequence. In the early part of the Straight, WIN PRACTITIONER was awkwardly placed and held up close to the heels of MAVERICK STAR. For the major part of the race, ROCKET WIN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Y T Cheng (MAVERICK STAR) explained rounding the Home Turn he elected to endeavour to obtain clear running between ROCKET WIN and HERE WE GO as he believed his mount would be suited coming between horses and the run he was attempting to obtain would materialize. He said as a consequence of this decision, MAVERICK STAR was held up for clear running for some distance after straightening, however, then failed to finish the race off as anticipated. Y T Cheng was told his riding around the Home Turn had come under notice and in similar circumstances he would be expected to take measures to ensure where possible his mounts obtain clear running. O Doleuze (FELLOWSHIP) said his mount travelled keenly and then when placed under pressure after straightening made a significant breathing noise and failed to finish the race off as anticipated. He said after the race he noted the horse did not appear to be blowing excessively and in his opinion this indicated the horse may have swallowed its tongue. He did say he had reported this matter to Mr P O’Sullivan, the trainer of the horse, following the race. MAVERICK STAR, RICE FIELD and FELLOWSHIP were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MAVERICK STAR, RICE FIELD and FELLOWSHIP after the race did not show any significant findings. DAO DAO and FULL OF JOY were sent for sampling.