26/10/2014  Shatin  Race 1

BEAR RAPPER was withdrawn on 25.10.14 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (swollen left eye) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter WINNING EXPRESSO (N Rawiller). Before being allowed to race again, BEAR RAPPER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Whilst in the saddling stalls, DIAMOND MYSTERIOUS had its left front plate refitted. DIAMOND MYSTERIOUS was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. HAPPY FRIENDSHIP was checked and LINE SEEKER badly crowded for room on jumping between MIGHTY WONGCHOY and GORGEOUS GAINS which, after being taken in by BRILLANTE, then shifted in further away from that horse. Shortly after the start, GOLD DRAGON was momentarily crowded for room between GRACE HEART and MASTER VIKING which shifted out. Passing the 600 Metres, WINNING EXPRESSO became unbalanced after being crowded for room outside LUCKY PROFIT (M Chadwick). M Chadwick was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Near the 250 Metres, WINNING EXPRESSO again raced tight outside LUCKY PROFIT which got its head on the side and shifted out under pressure. For some distance after this, WINNING EXPRESSO continued to race tight outside LUCKY PROFIT. Near the 50 Metres, GOLD DRAGON shifted in away from the heels of BRILLANTE which shifted in marginally. Over the concluding stages, GOLD DRAGON and BRILLANTE raced tight. GORGEOUS GAINS hung in throughout the race. The performances of MIGHTY WONGCHOY and DARK CORE, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MIGHTY WONGCHOY and DARK CORE 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 regarding the disappointing performance of LINE SEEKER, Z Purton stated that after being loaded into the barriers LINE SEEKER became fractious. He said although LINE SEEKER had been somewhat fractious in the most recent barrier trial, the horse had previously behaved well. He said after being crowded for room at the start, he was able to balance the horse and it travelled well in the early stages. He said however that passing the 600 Metres he became concerned with the manner in which LINE SEEKER was travelling as the horse was racing with its head on the side and wanting to lay in. He added after the 500 Metres LINE SEEKER came off the bridle and then was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race when continuing to lay in. A veterinary inspection of LINE SEEKER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LINE SEEKER, GRACE HEART and BRILLANTE were sent for sampling.