01/07/2010  Shatin  Race 7

HAWTHORNE began very awkwardly. Whilst the Stewards considered the riding of Z Purton (LUCKY RED) within the vicinity of the winning post did not affect the horse`s placing, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out right to the end of the race wherever possible. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered whether MAELSTROM had been afforded a fair start. M Du Plessis, the rider of MAELSTROM, and Mr D J Hall, the trainer of the horse, also lodged an application for MAELSTROM to be declared a non-runner on the grounds that the horse had been denied a fair start. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the official videos, the Stewards found that MAELSTROM, which had reared on a number of occasions after being placed in the barriers, again reared of its own accord just prior to the start being effected and lost a considerable amount of ground. Accordingly, the Stewards deemed MAELSTROM had been afforded a fair start and was therefore declared a runner. Before being allowed to race again, MAELSTROM will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. LONDON CHINA TOWN and DIAMOND KNIGHT were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that DIAMOND KNIGHT had blood present at its right nostril and an endoscopic examination confirmed the horse to be a bleeder.