24/03/2010  Shatin  Race 2

SINGLE MALT, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 22.3.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind). Before being allowed to race again, SINGLE MALT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. As the start was effected, MISTER HORSE lifted its front feet off the ground and then shortly after the start was bumped by WOODSTOCK which shifted out. GRANDWAY FLYER was slow to begin. EAST OCEAN was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between SPEEDY GROWTH and SMART CHOICE, both of which shifted ground. Near the 900 Metres, GRANDWAY FLYER became unbalanced. Approaching the first turn, LUCKY BOY was steadied away from the heels of SPEEDY GROWTH. Making the first turn, EXPLODING was steadied away from the heels of SPEEDY GROWTH (W M Lai) which shifted in when not quite clear. W M Lai was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in future. VIVA GUY, which was following EXPLODING, was steadied away from the heels of that horse, shifted out and bumped MISTER HORSE which in turn shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of SMART CHOICE which became unbalanced. Throughout the race, KING AL AKBAR and SMART CHOICE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of MISTER HORSE, B Prebble stated that making the first turn MISTER HORSE was bumped by VIVA GUY and after this wanted to shift out and away from that horse. He said after being bumped by VIVA GUY, MISTER HORSE did not travel as it had in the past and in the Straight was most disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of MISTER HORSE after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MISTER HORSE, which finished last as the favourite for this race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MISTER HORSE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MISTER HORSE, LUCKY BOY and INDUSTRIAL MARVEL were sent for sampling.