21/05/2011  Shatin  Race 4

OWAIN (Z Purton), which was standing awkwardly in the barriers, lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and consequently was slow to begin. Z Purton pleaded guilty to two charges of misconduct, the first being that when riding OWAIN, shortly after the start he directed inappropriate comments towards the Starter, and secondly that on returning to the Weighing Room he made inappropriate comments regarding the Starter. On each charge, Z Purton was fined the sum of $10,000. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that Jockey Purton had apologized to the Starter prior to the Stewards interviewing him regarding these matters. From wide barriers, AMBITIOUS OWNER and PANNA were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 1200 Metres, OWAIN commenced to over-race and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of PRINCE OF SUNSHINE. OWAIN then continued to race fiercely and until after the 1000 Metres got its head up on a number of occasions when being continually checked away from the heels of PRINCE OF SUNSHINE. After the 1000 Metres, MASTER KEY commenced to over-race and got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of STAR OF CHIU TON. For some distance after this, MASTER KEY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of STAR OF CHIU TON. At the entrance to the Straight, SUPER GENTLEMAN and STAR OF CHIU TON bumped. Near the 350 Metres, ROCK’N TYPHOON was shifted out away from the heels of STAR OF CHIU TON when awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. After the 250 Metres, PRINCE OF SUNSHINE was momentarily held up for clear running. Then after the 200 Metres, PRINCE OF SUNSHINE was again held up and did not obtain clear running until approaching the 100 Metres. Throughout the race, DRAGON VICTORY and NAMJONG HUNTER travelled wide and without cover. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that NAMJONG HUNTER had lost its left front plate. A veterinary inspection of OWAIN after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, OWAIN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, an endoscopic examination of ROCK’N TYPHOON was performed at the request of Trainer P O’Sullivan. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, ROCK’N TYPHOON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MASTER KEY, DRAGON VICTORY and SUPER GENTLEMAN were sent for sampling.