16/10/2013  Shatin  Race 6

AFFLUENCE OF RAIN began only fairly. SKY MASCOT began awkwardly. GREAT SKY began awkwardly and shortly after the start was momentarily steadied away from the heels of TURIN PEARL. Making the turn near the 700 Metres, AFFLUENCE OF RAIN was hampered when crowded for room between HAPPY CHAMPION which lay in and JOLLY GOOD STAR which shifted out and bumped AFFLUENCE OF RAIN. For the majority of the race, NOBODY BUT YOU travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if DREAM BUILDER had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from Jockey C Y Ho, Trainer C Fownes and Starter, Mr T McGovern. After viewing the videos, it was ascertained that after having the hood removed from DREAM BUILDER immediately prior to the start being effected, DREAM BUILDER became fractious and lunged at the front gates, resulting in the gates commencing to open just prior to the remaining gates. As a consequence of this, DREAM BUILDER lost a significant amount of ground at the start. As the Stewards were of the opinion that DREAM BUILDER had caused its own problems just prior to the start being effected, that horse was deemed to have been afforded a fair start and accordingly was deemed to be a runner. A veterinary inspection of DREAM BUILDER immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, DREAM BUILDER will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The performances of SKY MASCOT and JOLLY GOOD STAR, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SKY MASCOT and JOLLY GOOD STAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TURIN PEARL and DANEWIN TIGER were sent for sampling.