The Hong Kong Jockey Club

VIVA PATACA bounded in the air at the start and lost ground and was then taken across behind runners to improve its position on the fence. HELLO PRETTY began awkwardly and bumped the outside gate of its stall. On jumping, MUSICAL WAY was crowded for room between VENGEANCE OF RAIN and ADMIRE MOON, both of which shifted ground. ADMIRE MOON also became unbalanced. Approaching the first turn, MUSICAL WAY was steadied when awkwardly placed between VENGEANCE OF RAIN and SATWA QUEEN. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, VENGEANCE OF RAIN got its head on the side, commenced to lay in and was steadied away from the heels of HELLO PRETTY. At the 700 Metres, ART TRADER was steadied away from the heels of VIVA PATACA. Near the 600 Metres, MUSICAL WAY was checked when crowded for room between SATWA QUEEN and VIVA PATACA (C Soumillon) which at this time shifted to the outside of GROWL which was commencing to give ground. ADMIRE MOON, which was following MUSICAL WAY, was steadied in consequence. In the circumstances, C Soumillon was severely reprimanded. R Thomas (MUSICAL WAY) reported in this incident he momentarily lost the use of his left stirrup. In the early part of the Straight, ADMIRE MOON was held up and unable to obtain clear running between ALEXANDER GOLDRUN and PRIDE. Throughout the race, ALEXANDER GOLDRUN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of HELLO PRETTY, B Prebble said his mount travelled satisfactorily until after the 700 Metres. He said at that time VENGEANCE OF RAIN improved on his outside and made contact with HELLO PRETTY on several occasions. He said when this occurred, HELLO PRETTY appeared to lose concentration and did not travel as comfortably as it had been. He said in the Straight HELLO PRETTY did not close the race off in the manner in which it had at its most recent start. HELLO PRETTY was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of HELLO PRETTY after the race did not show any significant findings. PRIDE and ADMIRE MOON were sent for sampling.