02/02/2008  Shatin  Race 7

FAMOUS DANCER began awkwardly, got its head up and lost a considerable amount of ground. Near the 1200 Metres, SIR ERNESTO was steadied and shifted behind SYLLABUS which at this time shifted to the outside of TOP HONOR. In the early part of the Straight, VIVA MACAU had difficulty obtaining clear running, then at the 300 Metres was momentarily steadied when awkwardly placed between SYLLABUS and TOP HONOR. After the 200 Metres, PACKING WINNER got its head on the side and hung in. A Delpech (VENGEANCE OF RAIN) said at no stage of today’s race did the horse stride out. He said he rode VENGEANCE OF RAIN along from shortly after the start until approaching the Home Turn, however, when the horse at that point failed to give any response, he eased his mount down in the Home Straight. VENGEANCE OF RAIN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, VENGEANCE OF RAIN was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. As this is the second occasion on which VENGEANCE OF RAIN had suffered an irregular heart rhythm, the horse will be barred from racing for a period of 6 months and will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being permitted to race again. PACKING WINNER, BULLISH LUCK and VITAL KING were sent for sampling.