20/12/2008  Shatin  Race 1

After being boxed, TURF WINNER became fractious, reared over, sat down behind and then became trapped under the barriers. Acting on veterinary advice that TURF WINNER was not suitable to race, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of the horse. Before being allowed to race again, TURF WINNER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after being boxed, BLESS US ALL became fractious and kicked out behind. BLESS US ALL was removed from the stall and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse had sustained cuts and abrasions to both hind legs and in his opinion was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of BLESS US ALL. Before being allowed to race again, BLESS US ALL will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WASABISABI, which was drawn the barrier inside TURF WINNER, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. GREAT UNITY and HOLD YOUR BOW were slow to begin. At about the 50 Metres, FOREVER SUPPORT was momentarily steadied when improving close to the heels of WASABISABI. Over the concluding stages, BELONG TO CASA hung in. For the majority of the race, GREAT UNITY raced greenly and over the concluding stages hung out. Because of this, D Whyte, its rider, was placed at a disadvantage in riding his mount out. When questioned regarding the poor performance of NOBLE DE LAGO, K T Yeung said the intention had been to ride the horse in a forward position with cover. He said NOBLE DE LAGO began fairly, travelled in a forward position, however, was not able to obtain a position with cover. He said NOBLE DE LAGO travelled satisfactorily until near the 400 Metres, however, when placed under pressure did not quicken and was inclined to hang out. He was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of the horse. NOBLE DE LAGO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of NOBLE DE LAGO after the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY ZERO and BELONG TO CASA were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GREAT UNITY had sustained cuts to both front legs. Before being allowed to race again, GREAT UNITY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.