06/01/2008  Shatin  Race 3

REGENCY HORSE was withdrawn on 4.1.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fever). Before being allowed to race again, REGENCY HORSE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After leaving the Parade Ring and prior to entering the track, FIFTY FIFTY became fractious, reared and dislodged C K Tong, its rider. C K Tong sustained an injury to his right wrist and acting on the advice of the Club’s medical officers that he was not fit to fulfil his riding engagement, the Stewards permitted him to be substituted by W M Lai. There was a delay while W M Lai was weighed out to take this riding engagement. Then after entering the track, FIFTY FIFTY again became fractious, causing W M Lai to be dislodged on two occasions. FIFTY FIFTY then galloped riderless to the Start and in doing so made contact with a lead horse which as a result was severely injured. After arriving at the Start, FIFTY FIFTY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of FIFTY FIFTY. The start of this race was delayed for a considerable time while the injured lead horse was treated by the Veterinary Surgeon and removed from the track. In the circumstances, the Stewards decided FIFTY FIFTY must perform satisfactorily in a pre-race parade before being permitted to race again. COUNTRY MUSIC began awkwardly. In the early stages, SANZIRO was taken across behind runners. When placed under pressure near the 300 Metres, NATURAL BLITZ shifted in. E Saint-Martin (SCINTILLATION) said throughout the race his mount felt unbalanced in its action and did not stride out as he thought it should. He said the work of SCINTILLATION leading into today’s race had been good and the horse remained calm during the delay to the start. Before being allowed to race again, SCINTILLATION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. D Whyte (FRIENDLY GAINS) was not able to offer an explanation for the poor performance of the horse. He said while the start of the race was delayed, FRIENDLY GAINS remained calm parading behind the barriers. He said FRIENDLY GAINS began well and he immediately travelled at the hindquarters of NATURAL BLITZ. He said after the 500 Metres he placed FRIENDLY GAINS under pressure, however, the horse failed to respond to his riding and kept on only one-paced. FRIENDLY GAINS was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. After the race, FRIENDLY GAINS was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, FRIENDLY GAINS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ABLE PRINCE and PLANET RULER were sent for sampling.