07/07/2013  Shatin  Race 5

EVERSPRING was withdrawn on 6.7.13 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (multiple wounds to right side of body and lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter KISSMET (R Fourie). Before being allowed to race again, EVERSPRING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JOYFUL LUCK was bumped at the start by PSYCHOLOGIST which shifted in after being brushed by MISTER MARC. After this, PSYCHOLOGIST was taken across behind runners. A short distance after the start, GRACEFUL KINGDOM was momentarily crowded for room between HAPPY CERAMIBO and MULTIEXPRESS which shifted in after being brushed by COLUMBUS LINE. Passing the 700 Metres, TRIUMPHANT DRAGON proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of PSYCHOLOGIST. At the entrance to the Straight, GRACEFUL KINGDOM was shifted in away from the heels of HAPPY CERAMIBO. Then near the 350 Metres, GRACEFUL KINGDOM was shifted out after being disappointed for running inside HAPPY CERAMIBO which was racing tight inside MULTIEXPRESS which in turn was awkwardly placed close to the heels of JOYFUL LUCK. A short distance later, MULTIEXPRESS was then shifted to the outside of JOYFUL LUCK to obtain clear running. PSYCHOLOGIST had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. After the 400 Metres, KISSMET was shifted to the outside of the heels of GRACEFUL KINGDOM to obtain clear running. Passing the 300 Metres, K-MOOCHI was checked and shifted in away from the heels of OVERDRIVE which was giving ground. Approaching the 100 Metres, GRACEFUL KINGDOM was steadied when disappointed for running between MULTIEXPRESS and JOYFUL LUCK which shifted out. After this, GRACEFUL KINGDOM was not able to obtain clear running and consequently was not tested. Over the final 75 Metres, K-MOOCHI was not able to obtain clear running and consequently was not tested. Approaching the 50 Metres, GOLDEN ADDICTION was steadied away from the heels of PSYCHOLOGIST (A Suborics) which shifted in under pressure. A Suborics was reprimanded and advised that he must make every endeavour to keep his mounts on a straight course in similar circumstances. Over the concluding stages, KISSMET and COLUMBUS LINE raced tight. Throughout the race, MISTER MARC travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of MISTER MARC, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MISTER MARC will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if K-MOOCHI had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from Jockey C W Wong, Trainer C H Yip and Starter, Mr T McGovern. After viewing the official videos, it was ascertained that as the start was effected, K-MOOCHI put its head down and lost a considerable amount of ground. As the Stewards formed the opinion that K-MOOCHI had caused its own difficulties at the start, it was deemed to be a runner. Before being allowed to race again, K-MOOCHI will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. A veterinary inspection of OVERDRIVE including an endoscopic examination immediately following the race showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, OVERDRIVE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GRACEFUL KINGDOM, DINING STAR and PSYCHOLOGIST were sent for sampling. <8/7/2013 Additional Veterinary Report>OVERDRIVE, which performed poorly, 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. OVERDRIVE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C Fownes this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to have a swollen right hind fetlock. As previously advised, OVERDRIVE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.