24/06/2012  Shatin  Race 1

SHANGHAI PIONEER was withdrawn on 22.6.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (inappetance) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter KOENIGSBERG (T Angland). Before being allowed to race again, SHANGHAI PIONEER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspections of GORGEOUS RULER, which made contact with a running rail on the way to the Start, found that horse to be suitable to race. From the outside barrier, SUNNY SMILES was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1600 Metres, HUMONGUS was steadied away from the heels of NOBLE FLIER which was taken in by SPEED RACER. Near the 400 Metres, ROCKET AND GOLD was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER GALILEO. GOLDMEN Y Y had difficulty obtaining clear running for a short distance after the 400 Metres. After the 400 Metres, GREAT SHOW was taken wider when bumped by NOBLE FLIER which shifted out after being brushed by ROCKET AND GOLD. For the majority of the race, GORGEOUS RULER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, M Chadwick (HUMONGUS) stated that he had been advised by the horse’s connections that the horse had shown a very good turn of foot in its previous races and he was therefore told that it was not absolutely necessary for the horse to obtain clear running at the earliest available time. He said with this in mind, at the entrance to the Straight he had the option to shift directly to the outside of GREAT SHOW, however, that horse was giving ground and he felt that he would have had to steady HUMONGUS in order to be able to shift safely to the outside of the heels of GREAT SHOW. He said therefore, approaching the 400 Metres, he elected to direct his mount in to follow the favourite, NOBLE FLIER. He said when he did this, that horse came under pressure, therefore he shifted his mount in further to follow the eventual winner, ROCKET AND GOLD through. He added at all stages in the Straight HUMONGUS was afforded clear running and consequently closed off the race well. The Veterinary Officer reported that SPEED RACER was found to have a wound to the left hind tendon region and pastern and also to the right hind heel. A veterinary inspection of KOENIGSBERG after the race did not show any significant findings. NOBLE FLIER, ROCKET AND GOLD and GOLDMEN Y Y were sent for sampling.