02/09/2018  Shatin  Race 6

After being loaded into the barriers, IMPECCABLE FELLOW reared and got its right front leg over into the adjoining stall for some time. Acting on veterinary advice that IMPECCABLE FELLOW was not suitable to race, that horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Whilst IMPECCABLE FELLOW was cast, Z Purton (BEAUTY DAY) and G van Niekerk (STRATHSPEY), who were in the stalls immediately outside that occupied by IMPECCABLE FELLOW, dismounted. Before being allowed to race again, IMPECCABLE FELLOW will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WINNING CONTROLLER lost its right front plate at the start. Despite being vigorously ridden along for some distance in the early stages, CHEERFUL BOY failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. Passing the 800 Metres, SWEETIE BARLEY was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 100 Metres, A BEAUTIFUL momentarily raced in restricted room inside WINNING CONTROLLER which lay in under pressure. The performance of SPICY KAKA, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SPICY KAKA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if STRATHSPEY had been afforded a fair start. After viewing the videos, it was established that as the start was effected, STRATHSPEY, which had been in the barriers for some time due to IMPECCABLE FELLOW becoming cast, reared and lost a considerable amount of ground. As the Stewards were satisfied that there were no external factors which caused STRATHSPEY to miss the start, that horse was declared a runner. In the circumstances, the Stewards ruled that STRATHSPEY must undergo a satisfactory stalls test before being allowed to race again. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that WINNING CONTROLLER had sustained an overreached wound to the inside of the right front heel bulb. A veterinary inspection of CHEERFUL BOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. STRATHSPEY, WINNING CONTROLLER and BEAUTY DAY were sent for sampling.