25/06/2014  Shatin  Race 8

DOUBLE GLORY was withdrawn on 24.6.14 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SUPREME ESSENCE (W M Lai). Before being allowed to race again, DOUBLE GLORY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Shortly after the start, LUCKY HAMMER and GOLDLAND DANCER were crowded for room between EXPEDITE and WINNING APEX which shifted in. In this incident, WINNING APEX became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by GOLDLAND DANCER. From wide barriers, MR MEDICI and PERFECT JOY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1400 Metres, GOLDLAND DANCER shifted out after being checked away from the heels of GOLDEN ADDICTION. Approaching the 700 Metres, GUN PIT, which had improved into tight running between GOLDEN ADDICTION (J Moreira) and GALAXY PRANCER, was checked after initially being crowded for room by GOLDEN ADDICTION which shifted in and GALAXY PRANCER which then shifted out. J Moreira was advised that whilst he had made a satisfactory effort to relieve the tightening to GUN PIT and whilst there had been an equal contribution to the incident from GALAXY PRANCER, nonetheless he had allowed GOLDEN ADDICTION to shift in and initially placed pressure on GUN PIT. He was advised that whilst competitive riding is encouraged, nonetheless he must ensure that he rides at all times within the Rules. Approaching the 500 Metres, INVICTUS became unbalanced when briefly tightened inside GALAXY PRANCER which was commencing to give ground. When questioned, H Bowman stated that due to the manner in which the track was racing, it was felt that GALAXY PRANCER, from barrier 13, would not be able to finish off its race if it was ridden from back in the field and as there did not appear to be abundance of speed and that the two principal chances in the race, namely GUN PIT and GOLDEN ADDICTION would be ridden in forward positions, it was hoped that GALAXY PRANCER may be able to obtain a position behind the speed. He said approaching the winning post on the first occasion, when ridden along, GALAXY PRANCER became momentarily unbalanced. He said approaching the 1400 Metres he was left racing in a four wide position and rather than be left racing wide and without cover, he elected to allow his mount to stride forward and race outside the lead. The performance of GALAXY PRANCER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GALAXY PRANCER 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 GOLDEN ADDICTION immediately following the race revealed the horse to have sustained abrasions to the right hind leg. A veterinary inspection of GOLDLAND DANCER immediately following the race found the horse to be lame in its left front leg and have sustained cuts to both hind pasterns. Before being allowed to race again, GOLDLAND DANCER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GUN PIT and BUDDY BUDDIES were sent for sampling. <26/6/2014 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Officer reported that SUPREME ESSENCE had a stiff and restricted action on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, SUPREME ESSENCE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.