19/02/2012  Shatin  Race 9

SIR EAGLES was withdrawn on 18.2.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (cut left forearm) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter PROLIFIC CHAMPION (T Clark). Before being allowed to race again, SIR EAGLES will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CHATER MIKADO was slow to begin. As the start was effected, STRAIGHT GOLD bounded in the air and consequently lost ground. ARRIVED AHEAD began awkwardly, shifted in at the start and in doing so bumped the hindquarters of PROLIFIC CHAMPION which became unbalanced. After being crossed by KING MOSSMAN, TAILWIND was steadied away from the heels of that horse for some distance near the 800 Metres. Near the 800 Metres, WINDICATOR POWER was checked when crowded for room between PROLIFIC CHAMPION which was racing tight to the inside of ARRIVED AHEAD and BEST ELEVEN (M Chadwick) which shifted away from the heels of TAILWIND. M Chadwick was advised that whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, nonetheless he was severely reprimanded and advised that prior to permitting his mount to shift ground, he must ensure that he is sufficiently clear of other runners. After the 800 Metres, PAGANINI’S SOUL was left racing wide and without cover. At the entrance to the Straight, CHATER MIKADO was steadied and shifted to the inside of TAILWIND to obtain clear running. STRAIGHT GOLD was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 300 Metres. After the race, K C Leung (PIZZAZZ) reported that, in his opinion, the horse was not suited by the tempo of today’s race. He said because of the manner in which the race was run, PIZZAZZ finished off the race only one-paced in the Straight. Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PROLIFIC CHAMPION had lost its right hind plate. A veterinary inspection of ELEGANCE DESIRE after the race did not show any significant findings. BEST ELEVEN and ARRIVED AHEAD were sent for sampling. <20/2/2012 Additional Veterinary Report>On return to the stables after races, it was reported that KING MOSSMAN had bled from both nostrils. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that a subsequent endoscopic examination confirmed KING MOSSMAN to have bled.