01/07/2013  Shatin  Race 4

After being loaded, FANTASY AND GOLD became fractious, reared up and momentarily got its front feet over the front gates. FANTASY AND GOLD then reared again, sat down and became cast underneath the gates. FANTASY AND GOLD was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was lame in the right hind leg and as such was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of FANTASY AND GOLD. Having regard to FANTASY AND GOLD’s previous record in respect of barrier issues, the Stewards ruled that the horse must undergo a series of consecutive satisfactory official barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. MAROON PRINCE, which was in the inside stall adjoining that occupied by FANTASY AND GOLD, was removed from the stalls riderless and after being taken out of its stall broke free and travelled a short distance before being recaptured. On return behind the barriers, MAROON PRINCE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. SUPER TIGER, which was in the outside stall adjoining FANTASY AND GOLD’s, was also removed from its barrier, examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. Due to the delay in FANTASY AND GOLD being removed from the barriers and as a result of MAROON PRINCE being reluctant to return to the Start, the remainder of the field was unloaded from the barriers. After the race, W C Marwing, the rider of MAROON PRINCE, advised the Stewards that when MAROON PRINCE became fractious as a result of FANTASY AND GOLD becoming cast, he aggravated a previous injury to his right elbow. W C Marwing was examined by the Club’s medical officer who said in his opinion he was not fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements. C W Wong, the rider of FANTASY AND GOLD, was also examined by the Club’s medical officer and passed fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements. VIVA DOLPHIN began awkwardly and got its head up on jumping and then despite being ridden along in the early stages failed to muster speed. HEARTS KEEPER began only fairly. From wide barriers, SUPREME HONG KONG, which began awkwardly, and DARPANA were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. When being steadied to obtain a position with cover behind CONFUCIUS ELITE passing the 900 Metres, VIVA DOLPHIN got its head up on a number of occasions and proved difficult to settle. HEARTS KEEPER was unable to obtain clear running until near the 250 Metres. Approaching the 200 Metres, SUPREME HONG KONG was shifted to the outside of EASY AHEAD to obtain clear running. Near the 100 Metres, HEARTS KEEPER and EASY AHEAD raced tight as HEARTS KEEPER shifted out. Throughout the race, REAL CHAMPION travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of SUPER TIGER, CONFUCIUS ELITE and VIVA DOLPHIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. REAL CHAMPION and HURRY HURRY UP were sent for sampling.