04/12/2011  Shatin  Race 6

PRESTO was withdrawn on 3.12.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (tied up) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter THEHEROINMYHEART (K C Leung). Before being allowed to race again, PRESTO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. RIGHT TIMING, which was leaning on the inside of its barrier, began awkwardly. KING ON EARTH shifted out at the start and made heavy contact with PRIMROSE BOY, resulting in that horse being crowded for room inside DIVINITY POWER. Shortly after the start, ELEPHANT CHEERS was crowded for room between SUPER GENTLEMAN and EN MASSE which shifted out after being bumped by THEHEROINMYHEART. Making the first turn, THEHEROINMYHEART commenced to travel keenly and shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of EN MASSE. Approaching the 1000 Metres, SUPER GENTLEMAN was steadied and lost ground when crowded for room between EN MASSE and DIVINITY POWER (N Callan) which shifted in when awkwardly placed inside the heels of SHINY DAY (Y T Cheng). As the incident was not attributable to one rider, both N Callan and Y T Cheng were advised to make every endeavour to ensure that runners to their inside are afforded sufficient racing room. After the 1000 Metres, DIVINITY POWER was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 400 Metres, MATSUKAZE raced tight when attempting to obtain clear running between RIGHT TIMING and EN MASSE. After the 400 Metres, IRON HAWK was taken wider by SILVER DRAGON which got its head on the side and shifted out away from SUPER GENTLEMAN. In the Straight, THEHEROINMYHEART got its head on the side and lay out. K C Leung reported that after the 300 Metres his saddle slipped back, placing him at a disadvantage. Also in the Straight, ELEPHANT CHEERS lay in and proved difficult to ride. A veterinary inspection of ELEPHANT CHEERS, MATSUKAZE and DIVINITY POWER after the race did not show any significant findings. RIGHT TIMING, BUDDY BUDDIES and SHINY DAY were sent for sampling. <5/12/2011 Additional Veterinary Report> The Veterinary Officer reported that NAMJONG HUNTER was lame in the right front leg on the day after racing. Before being allowed to race again, NAMJONG HUNTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.