23/09/2007  Shatin  Race 9

When the gates opened, SLOW WALTZ bounded in the air and lost a considerable amount of ground. Shortly after the start, GRAND CRU and DEFERENTIAL were steadied when crowded for room between HIGH POINT which shifted out and PRIME SCORE which shifted in. No action was taken. At the 700 Metres, UNITED EFFORTS was steadied away from the heels of HIGH POINT which at this time was steadied away from the heels of WIN A DOZEN which commenced to give ground. In the early part of the Straight, PRIME SCORE had difficulty obtaining clear running. At the 400 Metres, CALCANDO, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied and shifted to the outside of KINDACROSS. From the 400 Metres until the 200 Metres, GRAND CRU had difficulty obtaining clear running. For some distance after the 400 Metres, SLOW WALTZ had difficulty obtaining clear running. E Saint-Martin (GRAND CRU) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of SLOW WALTZ, resulting in that horse losing its rightful running and being checked. E Saint-Martin was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 15 October 2007 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Monday 1 October 2007. In addition, E Saint-Martin was fined $35,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. Near the 100 Metres, PRIME SCORE was momentarily steadied and shifted to the outside of HIGH POINT (S K Sit) which shifted ground while hanging in. After this, HIGH POINT continued to shift to the rail. S K Sit was told in similar circumstances he would be expected to do his utmost to keep his mounts straight. Also near the 100 Metres, CONGRATS (Y T Cheng) was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of KINDACROSS which was giving ground. After this, Y T Cheng did not ride his mount out for the remainder of the race. Y T Cheng was told in similar circumstances he would be expected to ride his mounts out to the end of the race. For the major part of the race, ULTRA FANTASY travelled wide and without cover. After the race, W M Lai (ROYAL PERICLES) reported his saddle shifted back and to the left shortly after straightening. He said because of this he was at a disadvantage in riding his mount out. WIN A DOZEN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, WIN A DOZEN, which tailed out, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed the horse to have a dynamic pharyngeal collapse and a substantial amount of mucopus in its trachea. The performance of WIN A DOZEN was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WIN A DOZEN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HIGH POINT and UNITED EFFORTS were sent for sampling.