01/03/2017  Shatin  Race 8

On arrival at the Start, BORN IN CHINA was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that after the necessary consultations the horse was suitable to race. After being loaded into the barriers, PERPETUAL TREASURE became fractious and reared up before becoming cast. PERPETUAL TREASURE was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, PERPETUAL TREASURE was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, PERPETUAL TREASURE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HAPPY SURVEYS began awkwardly and lost ground. BORN IN CHINA and CALIFORNIA WHIP began only fairly. MOST BEAUTIFUL began very awkwardly, resulting in its rider becoming badly unbalanced. Passing the 450 Metres, EROICO and FIGHT HERO raced tight as EROICO attempted to shift out from behind CALIFORNIA WHIP to obtain clear running. After this, EROICO and FIGHT HERO continued to race tight as EROICO endeavoured to improve between FIGHT HERO and CALIFORNIA WHIP where there was insufficient room. This resulted in EROICO being checked passing the 300 Metres. As the Stewards were satisfied that there was not sufficient room for EROICO to improve between CALIFORNIA WHIP and FIGHT HERO, no further action was taken. When questioned, N Callan stated that due to the delay to the start, CALIFORNIA WHIP became fractious and as the start was effected began only fairly. He said because of this he had to use the horse up in the early stages to take up a forward position as instructed. He said whilst CALIFORNIA WHIP was disappointing in the manner in which it closed off the race, he felt that there were valid excuses for the horse’s performance given that it became stirred up in the barriers. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA WHIP immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of COUNTRY MELODY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of COUNTRY MELODY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, COUNTRY MELODY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CALIFORNIA WHIP, FIGHT HERO and EROICO were sent for sampling. <2/3/2017 Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that LOVE SHOCK was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, LOVE SHOCK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.