23/03/2014  Shatin  Race 6

MAROON PRINCE was withdrawn on 22.3.14 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter PLAIN BLUE BANNER (O Doleuze). Before being allowed to race again, MAROON PRINCE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LONGWAH AMBER was slow to begin. TRENDIFUL and KING BROTHER both began awkwardly and lost ground. WELL FIT lost its left front plate passing the 700 Metres. Near the 600 Metres, FRESH AIR was awkwardly placed outside SNOW SLIDER. After the 400 Metres, HORSE SUPREMO got its head on the side and hung in under pressure. LUCKY BOLE was held up for some distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of REAL FIT, M Chadwick stated that his mount travelled very well in the early and middle stages. He said however that at about the 400 Metres REAL FIT became unbalanced in its action after putting in an awkward stride. He said after this he rode the horse along and near the 200 Metres it again became unbalanced in its action. He added after this the horse gave ground noticeably and was most disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. He said on pulling up he was of the opinion that REAL FIT initially felt short in its action, however, the horse then trotted back to the unsaddling area satisfactorily. A veterinary inspection of REAL FIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of REAL FIT, which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, REA FIT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of WELL FIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that SUGAR was lame in its right hind leg on return to the stable following the race. Before being allowed to race again, SUGAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TRENDIFUL, SUGAR and REGENCY HO HO were sent for sampling.