27/05/2012  Shatin  Race 6

GRAND DANCER was withdrawn on 26.5.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (left fore tendon injury) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter CLASSIC FIGURE (W Pike). Before being allowed to race again, GRAND DANCER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When making its way to the Parade Ring from the stabling area, FLORAL MAN broke away from its handler and proceeded back to the stable compound area. FLORAL MAN was returned to the Parade Ring where it was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. FLORAL MAN was again inspected by the Veterinary Surgeon at the barriers who confirmed that the horse was suitable to race. PRINCE OF SUNSHINE began awkwardly and then approaching the 800 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. SUPREME TAIJI was slow to begin and then in the early stages proved very difficult to settle. SMART GUY (T H So) began awkwardly and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of FLORAL MAN. In this incident, T H So lost the use of his right iron for a short distance. After the 1000 Metres, BET ON ME got its head up when proving difficult to settle. Rounding the Home Turn, BREEZE OF LUCK was bumped and taken wider by SHAREMA FEELING (Z Purton) which shifted out to obtain clear running. Z Purton was advised that whilst the Stewards encourage riders to improve their positions wherever possible, they must do so with due care. Passing the 300 Metres, MEGA CHAMPION was shifted out away from the heels of REGAL ARMY. Near the 150 Metres, REGAL ARMY, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied when crowded for room inside MEGA CHAMPION which shifted in when held up and awkwardly placed near the heels of TRIUMPHANT WAY which shifted in. MEGA CHAMPION continued to be awkwardly placed close to the heels of TRIUMPHANT WAY until passing the 100 Metres. A veterinary inspection of CLASSIC FIGURE and REGAL ARMY after the race did not show any significant findings. MEGA CHAMPION, BET ON ME and SHAREMA FEELING were sent for sampling. <28/5/2012 Additional Veterinary Report> CLASSIC FIGURE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. CLASSIC FIGURE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A Lee this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, CLASSIC FIGURE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.