22/06/2008  Shatin  Race 5

ACTUARIAL TALENT began awkwardly, then was crowded for room between BRAVO BRAVO and ROYAL PORTRAIT, both of which shifted ground. SPEEDY WARRIOR began awkwardly, then lost further ground when crowded for room between CHIEF WITNESS and DIVINE TOUCH, both of which shifted ground. From wide barriers, MR WUNDERBAR and RAINBOW OASIS were taken back in the early stages. At the 1000 Metres, SPEEDY WARRIOR was steadied when crowded for room inside DIVINE TOUCH (G Mossé) which at this time got its head on the side and shifted in. G Mossé was told in similar circumstances he would be expected to make a greater effort to protect his fellow riders. Also at the 1000 Metres, OPTIC KING was bumped by SUPER CEE JAY which shifted in. Passing the 250 Metres, K-JACK was held up and unable to improve. After the 200 Metres, O’REILLY MAGIC was crowded for room inside K-JACK which when improving to the inside of OPTIC KING got its head on the side and shifted in. Throughout the race, LIONS’ FORTUNE travelled wide and without cover. Also throughout the race, SURE GAIN travelled wide, approaching the 300 Metres was steadied when disappointed for running between BRAVO BRAVO and ROYAL PORTRAIT which shifted out. RAINBOW OASIS, which was following, was steadied and shifted wider on the track into clear running. After the 50 Metres, SURE GAIN (C W Wong) was steadied away from the heels of ROYAL PORTRAIT which shifted out when giving ground. After this, SURE GAIN was not ridden out fully to the end of the race. C W Wong was reminded of his responsibility to ensure he rides his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. After the race, G Mossé reported the intention had been to ride the horse in a rearward position as it had been in its recent starts, however, DIVINE TOUCH raced keenly in the early stages and as a consequence travelled further forward than anticipated. SUPER CEE JAY and O’REILLY MAGIC were sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, SUPER CEE JAY was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed the horse to be a “roarer”. A veterinary inspection of O’REILLY MAGIC after the race did not show any significant findings. BRAVO BRAVO and CHIEF WITNESS were sent for sampling.