22/05/2016  Shatin  Race 9

GOOD CHOI LEE was withdrawn on 21.5.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter COLOSSUS. Before being allowed to race again, GOOD CHOI LEE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that NOBLE DE BOY, which had made contact with a rail on leaving the Parade Ring, was found to be suitable to race. After the 1000 Metres, GENEROUS BOBO commenced to race keenly and was steadied away from the heels of FIONESAY for some distance. After the 900 Metres, AMAZING MOMENT was left racing wide and without cover. After the 600 Metres, FIONESAY got its head on the side and lay out. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if NOBLE DE BOY had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from Apprentice K K Chiong, the rider of NOBLE DE BOY, and Mr A Speechley, Deputy Starter, who started this race. After viewing the videos and having regard to the evidence of both parties concerned, it was established that after being loaded into the barriers NOBLE DE BOY became fractious and then as the start was effected again became fractious, lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. Whilst the starting gate handler still had his hand on the left rein as the gates opened, the Stewards were satisfied that he was attempting to assist NOBLE DE BOY due to its fractious behaviour and that he had not prevented the horse from beginning with the field. Accordingly, the Stewards formed the view that NOBLE DE BOY had been afforded a fair start and that horse was deemed to be a runner. A veterinary inspection of NOBLE DE BOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, NOBLE DE BOY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. MOMENTUM LUCKY, FIONESAY and LAUGH OUT LOUD were sent for sampling.