27/01/2008  Shatin  Race 3

As C Soumillon, the declared rider of MAGIC SWEEP, was overweight, permission was given for B Prebble to be substituted. The explanation submitted by C Soumillon for being overweight was accepted. NICE KING began awkwardly and lost ground. From the outside barrier, WINNING FELLOWSHIP was taken across behind runners. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, NICE KING got its head up when being steadied while awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER HONEY and tight inside GRAND CRU. W M Lai (LASER TIGER) said he had been instructed to go forward from a wide barrier and if the pace was not strong, it would be acceptable for him to lead. He said in the early stages he rode forward in accordance with his instructions with ALL TIME HIGH also being ridden forward to his inside. He said to avoid being caught wide, he continued on approaching the turn at the 800 Metres to cross to the lead on the fence. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, ENCHANTED was hampered and carried wider by SCOOT DA LOOT which itself was inconvenienced and carried wider by ALL TIME HIGH which at this time was checked and shifted to the outside of LASER TIGER which after crossing to the lead steadied the tempo. LUCKY FRUIT, which was following ALL TIME HIGH, was also inconvenienced. W M Lai was severely reprimanded and told he should not steady the tempo in such a manner in future. Over the final 800 Metres, SCOOT DA LOOT hung out. Due to the tempo of the race near the 700 Metres, NICE KING was checked away from the heels of SUPER HONEY. On straightening, ENCHANTED was bumped by SUPER GOAL MASTER which was endeavouring to improve towards the outside of SCOOT DA LOOT. SUPER GOAL MASTER was disappointed for this run, shifted in and bumped GRAND CRU. Approaching the 200 Metres, SUPER HONEY, which was experiencing difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied and shifted out. Also approaching the 200 Metres, SUPER GOAL MASTER, which was continuing to have difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied away from the heels of GRAND CRU. Throughout the race, ENCHANTED travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. M Nunes (SUPER HONEY) explained when the horse led at its previous start, it gave ground over the concluding stages. He said therefore today with the step up of distance to 1400 Metres he was instructed to take a position following the pace in the hope that SUPER HONEY would finish the race off. He said in the early stages he allowed LUCKY FRUIT to go forward of him. He said then because of the manner in which the race was run SUPER HONEY was shuffled back through the field and raced further back than was intended. ENCHANTED and SCOOT DA LOOT were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ENCHANTED and SCOOT DA LOOT after the race did not show any significant findings. GRAND CRU, WINNING FELLOWSHIP and MAGIC SWEEP were sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 28 January 2008) SCOOT DA LOOT, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. SCOOT DA LOOT was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer A Schutz this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to have a stiff and restricted hindlimb action. Before being allowed to race again, SCOOT DA LOOT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.