07/07/2013  Shatin  Race 6

When proceeding from the Parade Ring to the track, MALAYAN PEARL twisted its right front plate at which time a nail punctured the sole of its foot. MALAYAN PEARL was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of MALAYAN PEARL. Before being allowed to race again, MALAYAN PEARL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. As the start was effected, DRAGON BACHELOR lifted its front feet off the ground and began awkwardly. After this, DRAGON BACHELOR was taken across behind runners. ACTIVISM and MOBILE KING were crowded for room at the start between GOLDEN OSMANTHUS and REAL DRAGON, both of which shifted ground. LIFE OF BEAUTY and FULL VALUE bumped at the start. A short distance after the start, LIFE OF BEAUTY was steadied away from the heels of ZACHARY. From a wide barrier, SWEET CORNER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 1400 Metres, FULL VALUE was left racing wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, LIFE OF BEAUTY and DRAGON BACHELOR bumped as DRAGON BACHELOR improved around LIFE OF BEAUTY which was attempting to shift to the outside of SWEET CORNER into clear running. Then at the 400 Metres, LIFE OF BEAUTY was steadied for some distance when disappointed for running between SWEET CORNER and DRAGON BACHELOR. Approaching the 400 Metres, ACTIVISM was checked away from the heels of GOLDEN OSMANTHUS which was commencing to give ground and in doing so bumped MOBILE KING which became unbalanced. For a short distance after the 400 Metres, ACTIVISM was crowded for room between MOBILE KING and GOLDEN OSMANTHUS which got its head on the side and shifted out slightly. Passing the 400 Metres, WIN ALONG was severely checked away from the heels of HANDSOME BATCHELOR when held up for clear running behind that horse which was giving ground. In the Straight, DRAGON BACHELOR hung in and proved very difficult to ride. The performances of FULL VALUE, ZACHARY and HANDSOME BATCHELOR, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FULL VALUE, ZACHARY and HANDSOME BATCHELOR will all be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that an endoscopic examination confirmed WIN ALONG to be a roarer which had previously been reported. A veterinary inspection of FULL VALUE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. KHAYA and PRECISION ERA were sent for sampling.