22/06/2014  Shatin  Race 9

SET ON FIRE, first Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 19.6.14 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). GALLANT TRIUMPH was also withdrawn on 19.6.14 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (right hind limb swelling) and was replaced by second Standby Declared Starter KA YING KID (H Bowman). Before being allowed to race again, SET ON FIRE and GALLANT TRIUMPH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Whilst in the saddling stalls, ARPINATI had its left front plate refitted. ARPINATI was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. STAY AHEAD began only fairly. Shortly after the start, CARRY THE DAY lost ground when crowded for room between ARPINATI and JUN GONG which got its head on the side and shifted out away from OVETT after being initially taken out by that horse. In this incident, ARPINATI became unbalanced after being bumped by CARRY THE DAY. From a wide barrier, VITAL PRINCE was taken across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1000 Metres, STAY AHEAD got its head up when proving difficult to settle and awkwardly placed behind LAUGH OUT LOUD. After the 900 Metres, STAY AHEAD shifted out away from the heels of LAUGH OUT LOUD which was steadied to allow LAUDABLE VIRTUE to cross. Passing the 300 Metres, MEGA CHAMPION was shifted out away from the heels of LAUGH OUT LOUD to obtain clear running. Passing the 50 Metres, COMBACK KID was shifted out away from the heels of OVETT. Throughout the race, COMEBACK KID travelled wide and without cover. The performance of LAUDABLE VIRTUE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LAUDABLE VIRTUE 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, C Reith stated that, from barrier 9, he had been asked to ride LAUGH OUT LOUD in about a midfield position with cover if possible. He said the connections were concerned that were LAUGH OUT LOUD ridden into a forward position, the horse may not have the necessary pace to be able to clear runners to its inside and it was felt that there may be an opportunity to obtain cover on the horse. He said he was not able to obtain a position better than three wide and when racing amongst other runners, LAUGH OUT LOUD raced greenly and got its head up on a number of occasions. He added he had recommended to the connections that they consider resuming riding LAUGH OUT LOUD in a forward position in the future as, in his opinion, the horse is field shy at this stage of its career. KA YING KID and ARPINATI were sent for sampling.