08/12/2013  Shatin  Race 3

When parading behind the barriers, LEVEL PLAYER was kicked by another runner. LEVEL PLAYER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse had sustained a laceration to the right fore leg and as such was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of LEVEL PLAYER. Before being allowed to race again, LEVEL PLAYER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LUCKY OMENS proved difficult to load. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY OMENS will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. TOWERING STORM was slow to begin. From wide barriers, AGIAAL, LUCKY OMENS and KING’S PACT were all taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Rounding the Home Turn, TOWERING STORM and GREAT AND BEYOND raced tight. Also rounding the Home Turn, AMBITIOUS CHAMPION was taken wider by ENTHUSIASM which was taken out by IMPERIAL CONCORDE which was giving ground. For some distance after the 200 Metres, AGIAAL was held up for clear running. In the Straight, LUCKY OMENS hung in and proved difficult to ride. Throughout the race, IMPERIAL CONCORDE travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of IMPERIAL CONCORDE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, IMPERIAL CONCORDE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, U Rispoli stated that he had been asked to ride GLORIOUS RYDER behind the speed if possible as the horse is one-paced and it was felt that to be in a forward position would be to its advantage. He said in the early stages he intended to shift GLORIOUS RYDER in behind ONE OF A KIND and obtain a position with cover, however, as he attempted to steady GLORIOUS RYDER to obtain this position, GREAT AND BEYOND improved its position to his inside and therefore he was left racing in a three wide position without cover outside the leaders. He said therefore he elected to improve his position to race on the rail in the lead rather than remain racing wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of GLORIOUS RYDER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ENTHUSIASM, which was eased out of the race rounding the Home Turn, immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, ENTHUSIASM will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LET ME GO and KING’S PACT were sent for sampling.