16/09/2012  Shatin  Race 3

ANCIENT KINGDOM was withdrawn on 13.9.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore right fore suspensory ligament). Before being allowed to race again, ANCIENT KINGDOM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. RIYADH was withdrawn on 15.9.12 by order of the Stewards (family bereavement). BILLION began awkwardly and shortly after the start was crowded for room between GREAT PEGASUS and MATSUKAZE which shifted out. After this, BILLION was ridden along to obtain a forward position, however, failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. After the 900 Metres, BILLION (C K Tong) lost its running when crowded for room between HEARTS KEEPER (D Whyte) which initially shifted in and SPECTACULAR AWARD which shifted out away from the heels of GRAND ELITE. A short distance later, BILLION got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HEARTS KEEPER. FLORAL MAN, which was racing behind BILLION, was hampered in consequence. D Whyte was reprimanded and told that whilst there was some contributing factors to this incident, nonetheless he must be sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. C K Tong was reprimanded regarding the standard of the evidence he tendered during this inquiry. After the 800 Metres, GIANTS SERAPIS was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 300 Metres, TRAVEL BRAND was held up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HEARTS KEEPER which shifted in marginally before being corrected by its rider. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on LUCKY NISTELROOY at the request of Trainer A T Millard. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY NISTELROOY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after the race, D Whyte reported that his mount was making an abnormal respiratory noise. A veterinary inspection of HEARTS KEEPER including an endoscopic examination after the race did not reveal any significant findings. GRAND ELITE and MATSUKAZE were sent for sampling.