18/01/2009  Shatin  Race 8

The Stewards acceded to a request from Trainer D J Hall that DANZULU be withdrawn as no rider eligible who was suitable to the connections was available to replace Apprentice K C Leung who was indisposed as the rider of the horse. WIN AGAIN began awkwardly and lost ground. MY WHISKY stumbled on jumping, then in the early stages proved difficult to settle. Near the 500 Metres, WIN AGAIN was awkwardly placed between SILVER BLAZE and EIGHT PLUS NINE. For a considerable distance after straightening, MERRY WAY had difficulty obtaining clear running and at the 300 Metres when being shifted out into clear running got its head on the side, commenced to hang out and proved difficult to ride. MERRY WAY continued to hang out for the remainder of the race. For a considerable distance after the 300 Metres, VIVA FIGHTER raced tight inside WIN AGAIN. Throughout the race, CHAMPION LAD travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of EIGHT PLUS NINE, Z Purton said prior to today's race his mount appeared agitated which was unusual. He said in his opinion EIGHT PLUS NINE was showing a dislike to wearing a crossed nose band which had been added to the horse's gear for the first time for today's race. He said EIGHT PLUS NINE began only fairly and got its head up, throughout the race travelled ungenerously, on a number of occasions again got its head up and would not settle. He said EIGHT PLUS NINE lay out making the turn after the 800 Metres which was also unusual for the horse. He said in the Straight when placed under pressure EIGHT PLUS NINE did not length stride and in his opinion was racing in a manner which indicated the horse was holding back. He said he had recommended to Mr A Lee, trainer of the horse, after the race that he considered varying the gear in which EIGHT PLUS NINE races. In the circumstances, the performance of EIGHT PLUS NINE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, EIGHT PLUS NINE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CAGA BOY, EIGHT PLUS NINE and QUALITY-QUALITY were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CAGA BOY, EIGHT PLUS NINE and QUALITY-QUALITY after the race did not show any significant findings. DREAM TEAM and MERRY WAY were sent for sampling.