04/11/2012  Shatin  Race 10

VICTORY MASTER was withdrawn on 3.11.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore foot) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SUPER PISTACHIO (W C Marwing). Before being allowed to race again, VICTORY MASTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. From outside barriers, WRATH OF FIRE and CRACKERJACK were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 1400 Metres, SUPER PISTACHIO was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 300 Metres, BUBBLE CHIC became unbalanced. Near the 100 Metres, BEAUTY TOUCH was awkwardly placed when obtaining tight running between AOMEN and SAME WORLD. Near the 50 Metres, AUTUMN GOLD was steadied and shifted to the outside of HOT SHOT after being disappointed for running inside that horse. When questioned, Z Purton, the rider of TREASURE LANDS, advised that the horse appeared to jump a shadow on the track near the 1700 Metres, became badly unbalanced and temporarily lost its action. In the circumstances, the Stewards ruled that TREASURE LANDS will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial before being allowed to race again. When questioned, T H So stated that he was instructed to lead on SHINY DAY if possible, however, if another horse was intent on taking the lead, he should not get caught in a speed battle with that horse. He said he was also asked, if another horse led, to come to that horse’s outside as SHINY DAY races best when trailing another horse. He said these instructions were consistent with the manner in which he was instructed to ride the horse last start. He said after riding SHINY DAY positively in the early stages, it soon became apparent to him that HOT SHOT was being ridden aggressively to lead and in accordance with his instructions he allowed HOT SHOT to cross SHINY DAY and immediately shifted to the outside of that horse. He said SHINY DAY travelled well until the 600 Metres at which time he asked the horse to improve its position to take closer order to the leader. He said despite being ridden along, SHINY DAY did not respond and because of this he had to place the horse under additional pressure rounding the Home Turn. He added that SHINY DAY did not show any response to his riding in the Straight and raced disappointingly. A veterinary inspection of SHINY DAY after the race did not show any significant findings, however, an endoscopic examination was unable to be conducted on the horse. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SUPER PISTACHIO had lost its left front plate. BUBBLE CHIC, HOT SHOT and AUTUMN GOLD were sent for sampling. <5/11/2012 Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that BUBBLE CHIC was sore in the left front splint bone on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, BUBBLE CHIC will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.