10/07/2011  Shatin  Race 10

BLUE SKY was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (swollen left fore fetlock). Before being allowed to race again, BLUE SKY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Rounding the Home Turn, FAT CHOY OOHLALA and ZAIDAN raced tight as FAT CHOY OOHLALA shifted out to obtain clear running. Near the 200 Metres, J Lloyd (ZAIDAN) dropped his right rein. Approaching the 100 Metres, FAT CHOY OOHLALA got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly, resulting in its rider, Apprentice K C Ng, having to stop riding and straighten his mount. Throughout the race, AMIGO travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PURE CHAMPION, B Prebble stated that as the horse was coming back in distance today, he elected to remain racing one horse off the fence so that he would be able to improve into the race prior to the field sprinting. He said rounding the Home Turn he was able to shift in to a three wide position behind AMIGO, however, PURE CHAMPION quickly came under pressure when positioned behind AMIGO. He said in the Straight PURE CHAMPION then failed to respond to his riding. He added although PURE CHAMPION received a bump from VITALITY EXPRESS passing the 200 Metres which resulted in his mount being momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of SILVER GRECIAN, it was a beaten horse at this time and, in his opinion, was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of PURE CHAMPION after the race did not show any significant findings. NATIONAL TREASURE, SILVER GRECIAN and FAT CHOY OOHLALA were sent for sampling. <11/7/2011 Additional Veterinary Report>PURE CHAMPION, which performed poorly, was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison. He said at that time there were no significant findings. PURE CHAMPION was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer A S Cruz this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in both front legs. Before being allowed to race again, PURE CHAMPION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.