01/03/2008  Shatin  Race 10

FIRM OFFER was slow to begin. On jumping, EYSHAL and O'REILLY RALLY bumped and as a consequence were slow to muster speed. Also on jumping, EXPRESS WIN, which had been fractious in its stall, bounded in the air. After the 1100 Metres, EYSHAL was steadied when racing tight inside O'REILLY RALLY which had been momentarily taken in by NORTHERN HERO. Near the 1000 Metres, HELENE PILLAGING, which had been ridden along to obtain a forward position, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of EXPRESS WIN which steadied in front. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, WIN AGAIN got its head up and hung out when being steadied away from the heels of GALLANT LION which at this time became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of OURAJA. After this, WIN AGAIN continued to hang out in the middle stages. At the 700 Metres, WINNING FELLOWSHIP was bumped and carried wider by GALLANT LION which was over-racing. For a considerable distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, EYSHAL had difficulty obtaining clear running. At the 150 Metres, FIRM OFFER was steadied away from the heels of ENTHUSED which shifted out slightly. Over the concluding stages, ENTHUSED got its head on the side and shifted in away from O'REILLY RALLY when racing tight inside that horse which was carried in by OURAJA. At this time, ENTHUSED was struck over the head by the whip of Apprentice K L Chui (O'REILLY RALLY). Because of this, ENTHUSED was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. Throughout the race, ENTHUSED travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of WINNING FELLOWSHIP, E Saint-Martin said he had been instructed to ride the horse quietly, the same as when it was successful at its most recent start. He said WINNING FELLOWSHIP travelled wide outside GALLANT LION in the middle stages, however, did not finish the race off in the manner it had at its last start. He did point out WINNING FELLOWSHIP was today racing up in class in what was a strong race. G Boss (NORTHERN HERO) said his mount did not travel comfortably at any stage of the race. He said after the 200 Metres NORTHERN HERO which had been under pressure was not striding out as he thought it should and he therefore eased his mount down over the concluding stages. Before being allowed to race again, NORTHERN HERO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WINNING FELLOWSHIP and NORTHERN HERO were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of WINNING FELLOWSHIP and NORTHERN HERO after the race did not show any significant findings. ENTHUSED, OURAJA and EXPRESS WIN were sent for sampling.