01/05/2011  Shatin  Race 2

After being loaded, GOLD JOINT kicked out repeatedly at the back gates, resulting in the horse’s hind legs getting over the back gates. GOLD JOINT was removed from the stalls and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said it had sustained lacerations to both hind legs and therefore in his opinion was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, GOLD JOINT was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, GOLD JOINT will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Following the withdrawal of GOLD JOINT, all horses were removed from the barriers and the starting time of this race was delayed. When being reloaded, PLANET proved difficult to enter the stalls. Before being allowed to race again, PLANET will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. HAPPY WIN was slow to begin. When being taken across behind runners in the early stages, PLANET got its head up on a number of occasions and proved very difficult to settle. Then after the 1000 Metres, PLANET again got its head up on a number of occasions when being checked away from the heels of BLESS US ALL. Approaching the first turn, BLESS US ALL proved very difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of TOUT VA BIEN for some distance. Making the first turn, TYCOON TAYLOR became unbalanced after making contact with NAMJONG FIGHTERS. After the 900 Metres, HUA SHI was steadied away from the heels of FASCINATING SMILE which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GUAN DAO. GUAN DAO hung out rounding the Home Turn. Over the concluding stages, SUNSHINE BOY and HAPPY WIN raced in restricted room between FASCINATING SMILE and HUA SHI which was improving to the inside of the heels of NAMJONG FIGHTERS. Throughout the race, TYCOON TAYLOR and NAMJOING FIGHTERS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Oliver (SUNSHINE BOY) reported that rounding the Home Turn he positioned his mount to take an available run between JOLLY BIRD and GUAN DAO which hung out. He said he rode SUNSHINE BOY to obtain this run, however, the horse did not show a turn of foot at this time. He said when attempting to obtain the run between these horses, GUAN DAO straightened its line and JOLLY BIRD shifted out which resulted in the previously available run no longer being available for a short distance which had the effect of SUNSHINE BOY not being able to immediately improve between runners. He said because of this SUNSHINE BOY was held up for clear running until after the 300 Metres. A veterinary inspection of BLESS US ALL after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, BLESS US ALL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MORE THAN YOU WISH after the race did not show any significant findings. SUNSHINE BOY, TOUT VA BIEN and PLANET were sent for sampling.