02/02/2014  Shatin  Race 9

After leaving the Parade Ring and prior to entering the track, VANILLA proved very fractious and in doing so lost its right front plate. VANILLA continued to be fractious, broke away from its handler and galloped riderless to the stable compound. When proceeding to the stable compound, VANILLA made heavy contact with a rail. Acting on veterinary advice that it was not suitable to race, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of VANILLA. Prior to being permitted to race again, VANILLA will be required to undergo a parade test on raceday and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FUN RIDER and IMPERIAL ROME were slow to begin. LUCKY DOUBLE EIGHT, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, began awkwardly. From wide barriers, WINNING LEADER, TRAVEL BROTHER and NOBLE ALPHA were all taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, NOBLE DELUXE was hampered by PENGLAI XIANZI which got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly. For a considerable distance after the 1100 Metres, PENGLAI XIANZI commenced to prove difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of NEW VISION. Passing the 800 Metres, DUNDONNELL got its head up when being steadied in the lead. Passing the 700 Metres, LUCKY DOUBLE EIGHT shifted out abruptly away from the heels of DESTINED FOR GLORY. IMPERIAL ROME was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and after the 400 Metres was shifted to the inside of NOBLE DELUXE into clear running. A veterinary inspection of WINNING LEADER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER LIFELINE and DUNDONNELL were sent for sampling.