01/07/2014  Shatin  Race 4

CHINA POWER was withdrawn on 29.6.14 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fever and both hind limb swelling) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter KING OF SMARTS. Before being allowed to race again, CHINA POWER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HOUSE OF LUCK began only fairly and shortly after the start was steadied when crowded for room between REAL FIT and GLORIOUS AVENUE which was taken out by VICTORY GENERAL. In the early stages, KING OF SMARTS got its head on the side and hung in. Over about the final 200 Metres, VICTORY GENERAL got its head on the side and lay out under pressure. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of W M Lai (SIR JOHN), 3rd placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. W M Lai was advised that this was the second occasion today that he had been spoken to regarding his failure to ride all the way to the end of the race. W M Lai was severely reprimanded and advised that a repetition may result in further action. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if MELLIFLUENT had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from N Callan, Trainer C S Shum and Starter, Mr T McGovern. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the official videos, it was established that after being loaded into the barriers, MELLIFLUENT became fractious, resulting in a blindfold being applied to that horse. Prior to the start being effected, the blindfold was removed from MELLIFLUENT after which the horse lunged at the front gates immediately prior to the start being effected. Then when the start was effected, MELLIFLUENT stood flat-footed before leaving the barriers after the field had travelled some distance. Shortly after the start, MELLIFLUENT, which was unbalanced, blundered. These circumstances resulted in MELLIFLUENT losing a substantial amount of ground and being tailed out throughout the race. As the Stewards were of the opinion that MELLIFLUENT had caused all of its own problems by lunging at the barriers before the start was effected, that horse was deemed to have had a fair start and accordingly was ruled to be a runner with weighed-in being declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge. Before being permitted to race again, MELLIFLUENT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial. LOVELY DELOVELY and VICTORY GENERAL were sent for sampling. <2/7/2014 Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that SEA RUBY was lame in its right front foot on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, SEA RUBY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.