25/01/2012  Shatin  Race 4

Approaching the 900 Metres, SOLAR GREAT dipped. Near the 850 Metres, SYDNEY POWER was steadied away from the heels of CASTLE HERO (D Whyte) which shifted in when not properly clear. D Whyte was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. For some distance after this, SYDNEY POWER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CASTLE HERO. Near the 700 Metres, COSTA DEL SOL got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SYDNEY POWER. Near the 600 Metres, KEEN WONGCHOY raced in restricted room inside KIDCONI which got its head on the side and shifted in away from MONEYMAKER. MONEYMAKER and KIDCONI were held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. At the 200 Metres, KEEN WONGCHOY shifted out after being held up for clear running and in doing so bumped COSTA DEL SOL. When questioned, G Mossé stated that despite being ridden vigorously along in the early stages, ALL VICTORY did not show the pace in the early stages that it did at the most recent start when successful. He said making the first turn he attempted to shift in and place ALL VICTORY on the back of SYDNEY POWER in a position one horse off the fence, however, SYDNEY POWER at this time was being checked away from the heels of CASTLE HERO and for this reason he was not able to shift ALL VICTORY in behind that horse. He added due to these circumstances ALL VICTORY was then required to travel three wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. D Whyte reported that after having to make some use of CASTLE HERO in the early stages, his mount travelled satisfactorily until shortly after entering the Straight. He said at the 300 Metres CASTLE HERO commenced to make an abnormal breathing noise and after this despite being ridden along gave ground. A veterinary inspection of CASTLE HERO after the race did not show any significant findings, however, an endoscopic examination was not able to be conducted on the horse post-race. After arriving at the stables, an endoscopic examination of CASTLE HERO was subsequently conducted by the Veterinary Surgeon after the horse was sedated. He reported the horse to have a paralyzed left side larynx. CASTLE HERO was therefore confirmed as a “roarer”. The performance of CASTLE HERO was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CASTLE HERO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ALL VICTORY had sustained an abrasion wound to the inside of the right hind pastern. TALLEY CLOSE and COSTA DEL SOL were sent for sampling.