16/01/2011  Shatin  Race 5

As the start was effected, EURO POWER lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. Making the first turn, SUPER CAGA proved difficult to settle when being steadied away from the heels of CHATER POWER. For some distance after this, SUPER CAGA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHATER POWER. Making the first turn near the 850 Metres, TOY STORY was steadied away from the heels of BEAUTY SUCCESS which shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of PROSPEROUS. EURO POWER had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. MASTER KEY was not able to obtain clear running until passing the 200 Metres. M Chadwick (BEAUTY SUCCESS) dropped his whip near the 100 Metres. Throughout the race, both BEAUTY SUCCESS and TOY STORY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, J Lloyd stated that approaching the 600 Metres SHANGHAI PIONEER put in a bad stride and became quite unbalanced. He said after this the horse commenced to travel more kindly and at the entrance to the Straight he shifted SHANGHAI PIONEER out to make its run. He said SHANGHAI PIONEER then responded strongly to his riding and was finishing off the race well, however, near the 200 Metres SHANGHAI PIONEER changed stride abruptly, then again put in a bad stride, got its head up and shortened stride noticeably. He said as he was concerned that SHANGHAI PIONEER had broken down, he eased the horse down over the final 200 Metres. He added when being walked back to the unsaddling area, SHANGHAI PIONEER was not walking freely. He said however after unsaddling SHANGHAI PIONEER, he had the horse hand trotted and it appeared not to be lame. A veterinary inspection of SHANGHAI PIONEER immediately after the race did not show any significant findings. The Stewards were satisfied that the official video supported Jockey Lloyd’s evidence that SHANGHAI PIONEER, after changing lead legs, put in a bad stride. The Stewards ruled that prior to racing again, SHANGHAI PIONEER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a series of consecutive official barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SHANGHAI PIONEER will again be examined by the Veterinary Officers in the days subsequent to the race. A veterinary inspection of PLENTIFUL after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, PLENTIFUL will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of REAL SUPREME after the race did not show any significant findings. PLENTIFUL, DR WIN and ROCK’N TYPHOON were sent for sampling.