01/12/2007  Shatin  Race 10

IMPERIAL APPLAUSE began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped CHEERFUL MASTER. As a consequence, IMPERIAL APPLAUSE lost ground. VIVA HONG KONG was slow into stride. On jumping, STRONG GAIN and OPERATION SECRET bumped. In the early stages, when being taken back to a position with cover, STRONG GAIN proved difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. Approaching the 1000 Metres, FASHFIELD, which was proving difficult to settle, became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of CHEERFUL MASTER. Also approaching the 1000 Metres, OPERATION SECRET, which had been ridden along to go forward and had been left racing wide and without cover, was steadied and taken back to a position behind GRAND CRU. At the 800 Metres, FASHFIELD was steadied when awkwardly placed between IMPERIAL APPLAUSE and GRAND CRU. At the 700 Metres, BULLISH CASH was awkwardly placed inside the heels of THISTLE KING which at this time was laying in away from WINNING FELLOWSHIP. Also at the 700 Metres, STRONG GAIN was steadied away from the heels of FASHFIELD. After this, STRONG GAIN hung out. On straightening, BULLISH CASH got its head on the side, shifted out and was checked when disappointed for running between REGENCY DRAGON and THISTLE KING. After the 400 Metres, JACKPOT DELIGHT shifted wider on the track to obtain clear running. Near the 300 Metres, THISTLE KING, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied when crowded for room between WINNING FELLOWSHIP and REGENCY DRAGON. BULLISH CASH, which was following and having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied away from the heels of THISTLE KING. After this, BULLISH CASH continued to have difficulty obtaining clear running. Approaching the 300 Metres, IMPERIAL APPLAUSE was steadied when having difficulty obtaining clear running between WINNING FELLOWSHIP and CHEERFUL MASTER. Then after the 300 Metres, IMPERIAL APPLAUSE became unbalanced when buffeted between WINNING FELLOWSHIP and CHEERFUL MASTER. Over the concluding stages, WINNING FELLOWSHIP hung in. After the race, M Nunes (GRAND CRU) reported his mount appeared to be short in its action in front. GRAND CRU was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of GRAND CRU after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, GRAND CRU will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. OPERATION SECRET was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of OPERATION SECRET after the race did not show any significant findings. JACKPOT DELIGHT, REGENCY DRAGON and WEI HAI INVINCIBLE were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported VIVA HONG KONG was displaying an irregular heart beat. Before being allowed to race again, VIVA HONG KONG will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.