16/11/2008  Shatin  Race 3

SUPER GENERAL was withdrawn on 15.11.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (colic). Before being allowed to race again, SUPER GENERAL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. RIGHT TONE, which was standing awkwardly, shifted out on jumping and bumped CRAIG'S DRAGON. As a consequence, RIGHT TONE was slow into stride. MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP began awkwardly and bumped the outside gate of its stall. Shortly after the start, MY SMARTIE was steadied when crowded for room between REGENCY HORSE and HONEST TREASURE, both of which shifted ground. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, FINN MACCOOL was checked to avoid the heels of HONEST TREASURE which at this time was steadied away from the heels of CRAIG'S DRAGON which steadied to allow MACHO EXPRESSO to cross. For some distance after this, FINN MACCOOL continued to prove difficult to settle when racing awkwardly close to the heels of HONEST TREASURE. At the 800 Metres, RIGHT TONE was left racing wide and without cover. Prior to straightening, KINGIFLY was steadied away from the heels of RIGHT TONE. For some distance after the 400 Metres, BEJEWELED had difficulty obtaining clear running. Approaching the 350 Metres, FINN MACCOOL, which was having difficulty obtain clear running, was steadied away from the heels of KINGIFLY which was carried out by RIGHT TONE. At the 350 Metres, MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP was steadied away from the heels of KINGIFLY which was carried further out by RIGHT TONE. In the Straight, SECRET OF KINGS hung in and proved difficult to ride. O Doleuze (ACHILLES OF TROY) explained as the horse had been somewhat disappointing in the manner in which it had been finishing its races off when being ridden in a forward position, it was decided to remove the blinkers from ACHILLES OF TROY. He said in addition he had ridden the horse in a recent barrier trial and on that occasion the horse had shown improvement after being ridden more quietly. He said therefore today the intention was to have ACHILLES OF TROY ridden quietly in the early stages in an endeavour to have the horse close the race off. He said because of this he rode the horse in a rearward position as instructed. He said ACHILLES OF TROY travelled comfortably throughout the run, was shifted out into clear running on straightening and despite being inclined to lay out closed the race off reasonably. CRAIG'S DRAGON, FINN MACCOOL and BEJEWELED were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that REGENCY HORSE had sustained abrasion wounds to the left hind hock.