15/09/2008  Shatin  Race 8

MAVERICK STAR was withdrawn on 14.9.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, MAVERICK STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On jumping, HONGKONG SUPERSTAR lost ground when bumped by PROFITING CHAMPION which began awkwardly and shifted in abruptly. WATCH WHAT HAPPENS was slow to begin. On jumping, SILENT DRAGON was bumped by FIRM OFFER which shifted out. VENI VEDI VICI began awkwardly. At the 900 Metres, IRISH JIG was steadied away from the heels of WARRIOR which shifted out when barely clear. Shortly after this, HIGH MARK was steadied away from the heels of WARRIOR which shifted out further. Near the 500 Metres, IRISH JIG was steadied when crowded for room between HONGKONG SUPERSTAR which while hanging out shifted ground and HIGH MARK (Y T Cheng) which shifted in. In the circumstances, Y T Cheng was advised to exercise greater care. When questioned regarding the poor performance of WARRIOR, F Coetzee said on jumping his mount lost its footing behind and became unbalanced and as a consequence lost ground. He said WARRIOR then showed its natural speed and travelled forward to join the lead. He said shortly after the 600 Metres WARRIOR shifted out slightly and as a consequence its hindquarter bumped the shoulder of SILENT DRAGON. He said after this WARRIOR immediately came under pressure and did not respond to his riding. He said over the concluding stages WARRIOR gave ground quickly. WARRIOR was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. After the race, WARRIOR was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, WARRIOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HIGH MARK and FIRM OFFER were sent for sampling.