16/12/2012  Shatin  Race 9

From wide barriers, MR LUCK and GREAT SKY were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. PSYCHOLOGIST and PALEPALE bumped at the start. In the early stages, MR GINGER proved difficult to settle when being steadied to obtain a position with cover. Near the 400 Metres, PSYCHOLOGIST became unbalanced when bumped by MR GINGER which was taken in momentarily by PERFECT MOMENT which got its head on the side and lay in. OPEN SESAME, which was awkwardly placed inside the heels of CULTURAL CITY, was unable to obtain clear running until near the 250 Metres. Just prior to the finishing line, MR LUCK faltered and broke down in its right front leg. Throughout the race, O’HALO travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CULTURAL CITY, N Callan stated that after being loaded, CULTURAL CITY became fractious and as the start was effected was leaning on the inside of its barrier. He said because of this CULTURAL CITY began awkwardly and lost ground. He said he had to make use of CULTURAL CITY after this in an endeavour to obtain a more prominent position and making the first turn CULTURAL CITY got its head on the side and shifted out across the heels of MR GINGER, resulting in the horse losing ground. He said after this CULTURAL CITY travelled only fairly and in the Straight did not respond to his riding. He added that although he did not ride the horse at its most recent start, CULTURAL CITY was able to obtain a good position and travelled comfortably which was in contrast to the circumstances of today’s race. A veterinary inspection of CULTURAL CITY after the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped. The performance of PSYCHOLOGIST, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PSYCHOLOGIST will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of PALEPALE including an endoscopic examination after the race showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of PALEPALE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PALEPALE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MR GINGER and LOADS OF JOY after the race did not show any significant findings. CULTURAL CITY, GREAT SKY and RUMBA KING were sent for sampling. <17/12/2012 Additional Veterinary Report> PALEPALE, which finished tailed out, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. PALEPALE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer D E Ferraris this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. As previously advised, PALEPALE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.