23/09/2012  Shatin  Race 1

SUCCESSFUL ERA was withdrawn on 20.9.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by 1st Standby Declared Starter MARVEL PLUS. Before being allowed to race again, SUCCESSFUL ERA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SAMMY’S FORTUNE was withdrawn on 21.9.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by 2nd Standby Declared Starter TELECOM NEW STAR (H W Lai). Before being allowed to race again, SAMMY’S FORTUNE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Trainer D J Hall was fined a sum of $10,000 for breaching Trainers’ Handbook Regulations in that he entered TELECOM NEW STAR for an official barrier trial at Sha Tin on Friday, 21 September 2012 when that horse was a Standby Declared Starter for this race. From wide barriers, TELECOM NEW STAR, MARVEL PLUS and CAGA SPIRIT were all taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After initially shifting out and hampering SPICY SIAM, SILENT DEMAND was crowded for room between that horse and SMART GUY which shifted out a short distance after the start. Also shortly after the start, DARK SECRET and SADDLERS LODGE were crowded for room inside SEIZE THE DAY (Apprentice K C Ng) which shifted in when being ridden along. Apprentice Ng was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Despite being ridden along vigorously for some distance in the early stages, PAPAS failed to muster speed. The performance of PAPAS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PAPAS 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 being steadied to obtain cover passing the 1200 Metres, DARK SECRET got its head up on a number of occasions and proved difficult to settle. Approaching the 700 Metres, CAGA SPIRIT got its head up on a number of occasions when proving difficult to settle and awkwardly placed close to the heels of MARVEL PLUS. Approaching the 600 Metres, TOP POWER and SADDLERS LODGE bumped as TOP POWER shifted out away from the heels of FORTUNE STAR which commenced to give ground. Near the 500 Metres, SMART GUY was steadied away from the heels of FORTUNE STAR when held up behind that horse which continued to give ground. Shortly after entering the Straight, FORTUNE STAR was retired out of the race. A veterinary inspection of FORTUNE STAR after the race revealed it had bled from both nostrils and was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, FORTUNE STAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SADDLERS LODGE after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of OVERNIGHT SUCCESS after the race, which finished tailed out, revealed that it had bled from both nostrils. CAGA SPIRIT and VIVA DOLPHIN were sent for sampling. <24/9/2012 Additional Veterinary Report>FORTUNE STAR, which was retired out of the race shortly after entering the Straight, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time he found the horse had bled from both nostrils and was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. FORTUNE STAR was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C S Shum this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. As previously advised, FORTUNE STAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.