13/04/2014  Shatin  Race 4

After being loaded, HOXO became fractious, reared and momentarily sat down. When being removed from the barriers to undergo a veterinary examination, HOXO again reared and fell, resulting in its rider, N Callan, being dislodged. Acting on veterinary advice that HOXO was not suitable to race, the horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Having regard to HOXO’s prior record in respect of its barrier manners, the Stewards ruled that the horse must undergo a series of consecutive satisfactorily official barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. After the race, N Callan was examined by the Club’s medical officer who said in his opinion Jockey Callan was fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements. PEARL STAR began only fairly. AMAZING GIFT and KING HARADASUN were taken across behind runners in the early stages. After being steadied in an attempt to obtain a position behind VERDANE approaching the 1400 Metres, OYSTER got its head on the side and hung out. When being steadied to allow JOY TOGETHER to cross after the 1300 Metres, GOLDLAND DANCER got its head up and proved difficult to settle. After the 1100 Metres, OYSTER was taken into a position four wide without cover when VERDANE shifted out. Passing the 200 Metres, AMAZING GIFT and CHATER D’CAT raced tight due to AMAZING GIFT shifting out slightly. AMAZING GIFT (H W Lai) and CHATER D’CAT continued to race tight for some distance when AMAZING GIFT continued to lay out under pressure. H W Lai was advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding, straighten his mount and relieve the tightening to the horse on his outside. Throughout the race, XILAI XIANZI travelled wide and without cover. After the race, Z Purton reported that PEARL STAR was mildly distressed after passing the winning post. A veterinary inspection of PEARL STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of OYSTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GOLDLAND DANCER and VERDANE were sent for sampling. <14/4/2014 Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that XILAI XIANZI was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, XILAI XIANZI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.