16/10/2011  Shatin  Race 2

VICTORY GOLD was withdrawn on 13.10.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (swollen right fore tendon) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter NOTUS. Before being allowed to race again, VICTORY GOLD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After being loaded, LIFELINE ELITE became fractious, reared and momentarily got its right front leg into the adjoining stall. LIFELINE ELITE was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who, after the necessary consultations, said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, LIFELINE ELITE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. TWIN TURBO, which was in the stall adjoining LIFELINE ELITE, was also removed from the stalls, examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. HIGH-LOFT was crowded for room at the start between LIFELINE ELITE and WIND DAMPER, both of which shifted ground. LUCKY TOGETHER began awkwardly and lost ground. After the 800 Metres, COUNTRY CHARM was steadied and shifted out when racing tight between BOLD TACK and NOTUS. Near the 500 Metres, NOTUS shifted in and bumped CAGA SPIRIT. Near the 300 Metres, CAGA SPIRIT was steadied when crowded for room between NOTUS and WIND DAMPER (H W Lai) which shifted out. H W Lai was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care. The performance of TELECOM SUPREMO, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TELECOM SUPREMO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. O Doleuze (HIGH-LOFT) said as far out as 800 Metres from the finish, he was obliged to place HIGH-LOFT under pressure to maintain its position. He said at no stage of today’s race did HIGH-LOFT stretch out. He said he had worked the horse on the 1800 Metre gallop in the lead up to today’s race and that work, in his opinion, was good. He added however that HIGH-LOFT’s breathing issues, in his opinion, were primarily responsible for the horse’s disappointing performances this season. A veterinary inspection of HIGH-LOFT after the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse had previously been reported to be a “roarer”. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that WELL FIT had lost its right front plate. LIFELINE ELITE, COUNTRY CHARM and MY MELODY were sent for sampling.