01/01/2012  Shatin  Race 2

GREEN GLORY was withdrawn on 31.12.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (substantial amount of mucus in trachea on scoping after track work) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter GRANDWAY FLYER (D Whyte). Before being allowed to race again, GREEN GLORY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. KING GALILEO began awkwardly. NOBLE FLIER was slow to begin. Near the 1700 Metres, SUNNY SKY, which had improved quickly to be racing to the inside of GORGEOUS RULER (N Callan), was taken in by that horse which shifted in. This resulted in ROCKET AND GOLD being crowded for room and taken in onto WADASURPRISE which in turn shifted across the running of RAIN OF THUNDER which, when being checked, shifted in across the rightful running of FOREST FOUNTAIN which was also checked. As the Stewards formed the opinion that N Callan could not have been reasonably expected to have been aware that SUNNY SKY had improved its position to be racing to the inside of GORGEOUS RULER prior to him shifting, no further action was taken other than N Callan was advised that he exercises due care when shifting ground in future. Near the 1300 Metres, ROCKET AND GOLD got its head up and steadied when crowded for room inside SUNNY SKY which proved difficult to settle and was taken in by NOBLE FLIER which itself was taken in by JUST GOOD (M L Yeung). M L Yeung was advised that whilst there were some circumstances attached to this incident, nonetheless he was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. Approaching the 1200 Metres, BROTHERS IN ARMS got its head up on a number of occasions and proved difficult to settle. NOBLE FLIER commenced to give ground after the 600 Metres and finished tailed out. Throughout the race, JUST GOOD travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of NOBLE FLIER after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of JUST GOOD after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. The performances of both NOBLE FLIER and JUST GOOD were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, NOBLE FLIER and JUST GOOD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Approaching the 600 Metres, BEST NOODLE was taken back in the field by NOBLE FLIER which was giving ground. Near the 500 Metres, ROCKET AND GOLD was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RAIN OF THUNDER. Shortly after entering the Straight, GRANDWAY FLYER was bumped by PAPAS which shifted out. In this incident, GRANDWAY FLYER made contact with SUNNY SKY, resulting in that horse becoming unbalanced. In the early part of the Straight, FOREST FOUNTAIN got its head on the side and hung in. Near the 300 Metres, GRANDWAY FLYER was steadied when crowded for room between PAPAS and SUNNY SKY, both of which shifted marginal ground. Passing the 200 Metres, PAPAS was steadied away from the heels of MR SPEEDY which shifted out. Near the 150 Metres, WADASURPRISE was steadied when crowded for room between KING GALILEO (T Clark) which shifted out and RAIN OF THUNDER (K C Leung) which got its head on the side and shifted in. Both T Clark and K C Leung were advised to exercise care. A veterinary inspection of BROTHERS IN ARMS after the race did not show any significant findings. RAIN OF THUNDER and SUNNY SKY were sent for sampling. <3/1/2011 Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that RAIN OF THUNDER was lame in the left front leg on the day after racing. Before being allowed to race again, RAIN OF THUNDER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.