16/06/2013  Shatin  Race 9

SPOKE TO CARLO was withdrawn on 15.6.13 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter CIRCUIT STAR (Apprentice K C Ng). Before being allowed to race again, SPOKE TO CARLO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the Start, Z Purton sought medical attention for a sore back. The Club’s medical officers advised that in their opinion Jockey Purton was suitable to fulfil his riding engagement on DARS AUTO. Z Purton also confirmed that he considered he was fit to ride DARS AUTO in this race. After being loaded, BETTER ANNOUNCE became fractious and reared. BETTER ANNOUNCE was removed from the stalls and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. The performance of BETTER ANNOUNCE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BETTER ANNOUNCE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On jumping, CULTURAL CITY began awkwardly and was then crowded for room between SUPERNINSKY and EAGLE POWER (W M Lai) which shifted in when being ridden along. W M Lai was reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to immediately straighten his mount. YUE LU TREASURE was crowded for room at the start between SMILING WATCH and I SMELL MONEY, both of which shifted ground. From wide barriers, CIRCUIT STAR and BETTER ANNOUNCE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. When left racing wide passing the winning post on the first occasion, XILAI XIANZI was taken across behind runners approaching the 1400 Metres to obtain a position with cover. Passing the 150 Metres, D Whyte, the rider of HORSE APLENTY, momentarily stopped riding when I SMELL MONEY shifted out abruptly in front of HORSE APLENTY. W M Lai was spoken to regarding raising his whip arm above shoulder height in the Straight. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of EAGLE POWER, W M Lai stated that the horse did not travel well during the race as it had in its previous races. He said he was able to obtain a position about midfield, however, EAGLE POWER came off the bridle soon after the 600 Metres. He said despite being placed under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, EAGLE POWER did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of EAGLE POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, Z Purton expressed concern with the action of DARS AUTO. A veterinary inspection of DARS AUTO immediately following the race revealed the horse to be lame in its left front leg, however, the horse was not scoped. Before being allowed to race again, DARS AUTO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SMILING WATCH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BETTER ANNOUNCE had lost its left front plate. DARS AUTO, INVICTUS and I SMELL MONEY were sent for sampling.