29/01/2012  Shatin  Race 5

WINNING MASCOT was withdrawn on 26.1.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, WINNING MASCOT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the holding area after being transported from the Olympic stable, it was noted that SILVER BLAZE had lost its right hind plate. This plate was refitted. SILVER BLAZE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. T Clark (THEHEROINMYHEART) reported that his saddle shifted back at the start. SPICY SIAM was crowded for room at the start between ISTIDE and PATRIOCH, both of which shifted ground. From the outside barrier, SILVER BLAZE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early and middle stages, KOENIGSBERG travelled wide and without cover. After the 1000 Metres, ELEPHANT CHEERS raced in restricted room between SPICY SIAM and KOENIGSBERG which shifted in. In this incident, ELEPHANT CHEERS bumped SPICY SIAM, causing that horse to become unbalanced. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of EKRAAR EMPEROR, M Chadwick stated that he was able to cross to the lead on EKRAAR EMPEROR without having to make any use of the horse. He said after obtaining the lead, EKRAAR EMPEROR was able to dictate the race at its own tempo, however, the horse came under pressure immediately upon straightening and despite being ridden along did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. He added that although EKRAAR EMPEROR was not able to obtain a “soft lead” at its most recent start when another runner improved to its outside, nonetheless, in his opinion, the horse was also disappointing at that start in the manner in which it gave ground in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of EKRAAR EMPEROR after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PATRIOCH had bled from both nostrils. EKRAAR EMPEROR, MEDALLIST and SILVER BLAZE were sent for sampling.