09/06/2012  Shatin  Race 8

AMIGO was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore left front fetlock). Before being allowed to race again, AMIGO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the barriers, the tongue tie fitted to BEAR HERO was replaced. SMART GIANT shifted out at the start and bumped BEAR HERO which became unbalanced when taken out onto the hindquarters of SIR EAGLES. LONDON CHINA TOWN began awkwardly. HI MOLLY and VITAL FLYER were crowded for room at the start between CALIFORNIA CHOICE which shifted out and GOOD BOY BOY which got its head on the side and shifted in. Passing the 800 Metres, HI MOLLY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LEELI’S STAR. In the early and middle stages, VITAL FLYER got its head on the side and hung out and near the 400 Metres became badly unbalanced in its action and lost ground. Acting on an assurance from Trainer C W Chang that VITAL FLYER would not race again this season, no further action was taken other than a warning was placed on the horse. After the race, A Suborics reported that CALIFORNIA CHOICE made an audible respiratory noise over the final 300 Metres. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA CHOICE after the race revealed that the horse was distressed and an endoscopic examination confirmed the horse to be a “roarer” which had previously been reported. Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA CHOICE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of HAWTHORNE after the race did not show any significant findings. BEAR HERO, BLAZE KING and LONDON CHINA TOWN were sent for sampling.