24/01/2009  Shatin  Race 2

As the start was effected, MAXIMUM CHARM became fractious, lunged forward and broke open the front gate of its stall momentarily ahead of the other gates opening. As a consequence, MAXIMUM CHARM got its head up, propped and lost ground. On jumping, SO NICE was taken back. In the early and middle stages, HOT SUN proved difficult to settle. In the middle stages, AIPODER IMAGE hung out. At the 700 Metres, ME THE BEST became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of FANTASTIC TIME. For a considerable distance after the 400 Metres, WONDER KID was held up and unable to obtain clear running. Over the final 350 Metres, ACCELERATOR was not able to obtain clear running and because of this was not tested. At the 100 Metres, MAXIMUM CHARM was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of HOT SUN which was giving ground. After the 100 Metres, Apprentice M L Yeung (REAL PLEASURE) dropped his right rein. At the 50 Metres, O Doleuze (MULTI-WIN SPIRIT) dropped his whip. PERFECT ATHLETE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT ATHLETE after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of PERFECT ATHLETE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT ATHLETE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LITTLE BIG BOY, MONTY and FANTASTIC TIME were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MAXIMUM CHARM had returned with a cut to its mouth.