08/07/2012  Shatin  Race 4

BEST NOODLE was withdrawn on 7.7.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter GORGEOUS RULER (T H So). Before being allowed to race again, BEST NOODLE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GORGEOUS RULER began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, O’REILLY MAGIC raced in restricted room between GORGEOUS RULER and EAST OCEAN. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, ALICE TOO failed to muster speed. In the Straight, WATCH FIRST got its head on the side, hung in and proved difficult to ride. Over the concluding stages, WATCH FIRST shifted in and raced tight outside REAL DRAGON. Because of this, WATCH FIRST was not able to be fully tested. Throughout the race, EAST OCEAN travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of EAST OCEAN after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of ALICE TOO after the race did not show any significant findings. The performances of EAST OCEAN and ALICE TOO, which both finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, EAST OCEAN and ALICE TOO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SPARKLING, D Whyte stated that his mount travelled satisfactorily in the early stages but came under pressure to maintain its position travelling along the Back Straight. He said after this, despite being ridden along, SPARKLING gave ground and was disappointing. He did say that the track surface, following the rain which fell just prior to the race, may have resulted in the horse not performing as expected. A veterinary inspection of SPARKLING after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SPARKLING, a last start winner on the surface, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SPARKLING will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ICE FIRE and GORGEOUS RULER were sent for sampling. <9/7/2012 Additional Veterinary Report> ALICE TOO, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. ALICE TOO was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K W Lui this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in the right front leg with a restricted action in both hind legs. As previously advised, ALICE TOO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.