16/02/2014  Shatin  Race 10

Whilst in the saddling stalls, BERLINI had its right hind plate refitted. BERLINI was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. GREAT SKY proved difficult to load. As this was second occasion this season that the horse had performed in such a manner at the barriers, the Stewards ruled that GREAT SKY must barrier trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start. Whilst GREAT SKY proved difficult to load, BERLINI became fractious and got its right front leg over the adjoining stall. BERLINI was removed from the barrier stalls and 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 BERLINI. As this was the second occasion on which BERLINI had been withdrawn due to being fractious in the barriers, the Stewards ruled that it will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination prior to its next race start. SEA WARRIOR and GREAT CHARM bumped heavily at the start. GREAT CHARM was then taken across behind runners in the early stages. LOVING STAR was checked when crowded for room at the start between SMART BALL and ROCK THE TREE which shifted out. GAOLING LUCKY STAR and NOBLE DE BEST bumped on jumping. From the outside barrier, GREAT SKY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1300 Metres, GAOLING LUCKY STAR and ROCK THE TREE bumped, resulting in GAOLING LUCKY STAR becoming unbalanced, shifting out and making contact with the hindquarters of SUPREME FALCON which became unbalanced. M Chadwick (SMART BALL) was severely reprimanded for directing his mount out away from the heels of SICHUAN EXEC after being crossed by that runner approaching the 1000 Metres which resulted in SMART BALL and SEA WARRIOR making contact on a number of occasions and both horses becoming unbalanced. M Chadwick was advised that he must show due care when shifting ground in similar circumstances and it is incumbent upon him to steady his mount away from heels rather than shifting out and making contact with other runners. After the 900 Metres, SUPREME FALCON was left racing wide and without cover. For some distance after the 150 Metres, LOVING STAR was checked away from the heels of SEA WARRIOR which was giving ground. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SEA WARRIOR, B Prebble stated that despite being becoming unbalanced near the 1000 Metres when bumped by SMART BALL, SEA WARRIOR travelled well in a forward position. He said however that SEA WARRIOR came under pressure rounding the Home Turn to maintain its position and in the Straight, despite being ridden out, gave ground. He added after the race SEA WARRIOR appeared to be mildly distressed and to be breathing heavily. A veterinary inspection of SEA WARRIOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings other than a superficial wound to the left front leg. The performance of SEA WARRIOR, which finished last, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SEA WARRIOR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SICHUAN EXEC and BIG FOUR were sent for sampling.