09/11/2013  Shatin  Race 4

LUCKY DAY was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (substantial amount of mucopus in trachea on scoping after track work). Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY DAY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HEARTLAND and YEUNG SING were slow to begin. Despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, DRAGON KEEPER failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. Approaching the 1000 Metres, DEMON DEMON momentarily raced tight between LUCKY DAN and KIDS AND WIN which was taken in by WINNER’S DELIGHT (U Rispoli). U Rispoli was advised to exercise more care. Near the 900 Metres, DEMON DEMON was checked after being crowded for room outside LUCKY DAN which became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by DEMON DEMON and KIDS AND WIN (N Callan) which, after initially getting its head on the side and shifting in marginally, was then taken in by WINNER’S DELIGHT which got its head on the side and shifted in away from TAYSIDE. HEARTLAND, which was following, was checked in consequence and YEUNG SING was also steadied away from the heels of DEMON DEMON. As the Stewards were satisfied that there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. However, both N Callan and U Rispoli were advised to do everything in their power to ensure that they leave comfortable racing room for runners to their inside in future. Near the 850 Metres, LUCKY DAN was checked when crowded for room inside KIDS AND WIN which was taken in by WINNER’S DELIGHT which, after shifting in marginally, then became unbalanced and shifted in further after being bumped on the hindquarters by LOVELY PANDA which was taken in by BRAVE BROTHER (O Doleuze). O Doleuze was advised that as there were some circumstances to this incident, he was afforded the benefit of the doubt as to whether his actions were fully responsible for the incident. O Doleuze was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. Passing the 700 Metres, CAPTAIN AMERICA proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of LOVELY PANDA. In the Straight, GRACEFUL KINGDOM hung in and proved very difficult to ride. Throughout the race, BRAVE BROTHER travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if GRACEFUL KINGDOM had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from Jockey G Mosse and Deputy Starter, Mr A Speechley who started this race. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the official videos, it was established that as the start was effected, GRACEFUL KINGDOM, which was being assisted by a starting gate handler, reared and lost a significant amount of ground. As the Stewards formed the view that the starting gate handler was attempting to assist GRACEFUL KINGDOM and had not played any part in that horse missing the start, they found that GRACEFUL KINGDOM had been afforded a fair start and accordingly it was deemed to be a runner. Before being allowed to race again, GRACEFUL KINGDOM will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TAYSIDE was lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, TAYSIDE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of DRAGON KEEPER immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, DRAGON KEEPER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BRAVE BROTHER and DEMON DEMON were sent for sampling.