17/05/2009  Shatin  Race 9

BAAZIGAR was withdrawn on 15.5.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter DYNAMIC (W M Lai). Before being allowed to race again, BAAZIGAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After arriving at the Start, NEW CHAPTER, which had kicked a rail on the way to the Start, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. On jumping, ROCKET FORCE was checked when crowded for room between NEW CHAPTER and ABLE DRAGON which shifted in. Also on jumping, GIVE WELL and PALAIS D’OR bumped. At the start, KING DANCER and FAT CHOY ICHIBAN bumped heavily. Near the 1500 Metres, DYNAMIC became unbalanced when momentarily crowded for room inside REAL SPECIAL. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, ABLE DRAGON was steadied away from the heels of ROCKET FORCE. On straightening, NEW CHAPTER was steadied and shifted out to obtain clear running. For some distance approaching and passing the 300 Metres, GREAT LAND’S STAR was steadied when unable to obtain clear running between ABLE DRAGON and ROCKET FORCE. Close to the winning post, ROCKET FORCE became unbalanced when bumped by ABLE DRAGON which shifted out. Throughout the race, POWER DRIFTER travelled wide and without cover. K T Yeung (CLOSERTOBELIEVING) explained the intention had been to ride the horse midfield or behind. He said CLOSERTOBELIEVING, which was stepping up in distance today, began well and immediately travelled into the bridle. He said approaching the 1600 Metres he allowed CLOSERTOBELIEVING to go forward and cross to lead on the rail to avoid being caught wide. He said after this CLOSERTOBELIEVING continued to over-race and would not relax for him. He said in the Straight CLOSERTOBELIEVING gave ground quickly. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CLOSERTOBELIEVING was in a distressed condition. The performance of CLOSERTOBELIEVING, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CLOSERTOBELIEVING will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ROCKET FORCE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, ROCKET FORCE was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. KING DANCER and FAT CHOY ICHIBAN were sent for sampling. Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FAT CHOY ICHIBAN was in a distressed condition and was displaying signs of the “thumps”. Before being allowed to race again, FAT CHOY ICHIBAN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.