09/12/2012  Shatin  Race 7

Approaching the 1500 Metres, SADAMU PATEK was steadied when crowded for room between XTENSION and GLORIOUS DAYS which shifted out slightly. Passing the 1500 Metres, XTENSION and GLORIOUS DAYS bumped, resulting in GLORIOUS DAYS being turned out across the running of XTENSION which at this time was racing tight inside GORDON LORD BYRON which shifted in. In this incident, XTENSION was checked. As the Stewards were satisfied that there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. Near the 1400 Metres, GLORIOUS DAYS was steadied away from the heels of GORDON LORD BYRON (W Buick) which shifted in when not quite clear. W Buick was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in future. After the 1200 Metres, SADAMU PATEK was steadied away from the heels of GLORIOUS DAYS. Near the 900 Metres, SADAMU PATEK, which was racing keenly, was again steadied away from the heels of GLORIOUS DAYS. After the 400 Metres, SIYOUMA and AMBITIOUS DRAGON bumped. After the 300 Metres, AMBITIOUS DRAGON got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. Throughout the race, SIYOUMA travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in as they were of the prima facie view that an incident had occurred over the concluding stages which cast sufficient doubt on whether PACKING OK (W C Marwing) should be declared the 3rd placegetter. Subsequently W Buick, the rider of GORDON LORD BYRON, 4th placegetter, lodged a protest/objection against PACKING OK being declared the 3rd placegetter alleging interference to his mount over the concluding stages. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the videos, the Stewards found that well inside the 50 Metres PACKING OK shifted out and bumped GORDON LORD BYRON, causing that horse to become unbalanced. The Stewards, after having considered the manner in which both horses were finishing off the race and the proximity of the incident to the winning post, could not be comfortably satisfied that had the interference not have occurred that GORDON LORD BYRON would have finished in front of PACKING OK. Consequently the protest/objection was overruled and weighed-in declared on the numbers as semaphored by the Judge. SADAMU PATEK, which was following, was shifted out away from the heels of GORDON LORD BYRON as a result of this incident. Z Purton and D Whyte were interviewed regarding a gesture made by Z Purton towards D Whyte after passing the winning post. Having regard to a similar occurrence involving both riders which occurred after the winning post in Race 173 at Sha Tin on 18 November 2012, the Stewards advised both Z Purton and D Whyte that they must be mindful of the need to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. They were further advised that any similar actions or gestures in the future may result in disciplinary action be taken. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on PACKING WHIZ at the request of Trainer J Moore. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, PACKING WHIZ will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. AMBITIOUS DRAGON and GLORIOUS DAYS were sent for sampling.