01/01/2011  Shatin  Race 7

Shortly after the start, BUCCANEER was crowded for room between HOT SHOT and HEALTHY BLUEBERRY which shifted in after being bumped by PACKING OK. Passing the 900 Metres, LUCKY FOREVER shifted out after becoming awkwardly placed close to the heels of WO AI NINN which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DRAGON VICTORY. A short distance later, LUCKY FOREVER was taken out by WO AI NINN which shifted out when continuing to be restrained away from the heels of DRAGON VICTORY, resulting in LUCKY FOREVER being taken out and causing BUCCANEER to become badly unbalanced when buffeted for room between LUCKY FOREVER and IRISH PEARL. As the Stewards were of the opinion that there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. Near the 600 Metres, VICTORY MASCOT momentarily raced tight between FUN HEROES and PACKING OK, both of which shifted ground. Near the 250 Metres, HEALTHY BLUEBERRY raced in restricted room between GREEN CASH and BILLION, both of which shifted ground. Throughout the race, IRISH PEARL travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of IRISH PEARL, which finished tailed out, after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. The performance of IRISH PEARL was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, IRISH PEARL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GREEN CASH had lost its right hind plate. PACKING OK, LUCKY FOREVER and FEARLESS were sent for sampling.