01/03/2009  Shatin  Race 4

After being boxed, AMNESTY became fractious, lunged forward and broke open the front gates of its stall, causing Apprentice K C Leung, its rider, to be dislodged. AMNESTY completed the course riderless before being recaptured. The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of AMNESTY acting on the advice from the Veterinary Officer that it was not suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, AMNESTY will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. When AMNESTY broke through riderless, the remainder of the field was unloaded. After being unloaded, STAR LEGEND dislodged its rider, Z Purton, and galloped a considerable distance prior to being recaptured. The Stewards also ordered the withdrawal of STAR LEGEND acting on the advice from the Veterinary Officer that it was not suitable to race. Following the race, both Z Purton and Apprentice Leung were examined by the Club’s doctor who said Z Purton was fit to fulfil his remaining riding engagements. The Club’s doctor reported that Apprentice Leung had sustained an injury to his left foot and as such was not fit to fulfil his remaining riding engagements. LANCELOT was slow to begin and was then bumped by POTPOURRI which shifted in. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, SPEED AND GOLD failed to muster. The performance of SPEED AND GOLD, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SPEED AND GOLD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, M Chadwick (COOL CAT) said he was required to make use of his mount to cross LUCKY BOY and obtain the lead. He said after crossing to the lead approaching the turn at the 800 Metres, he then allowed COOL CAT to travel where it was comfortable and as a consequence the tempo steadied noticeably. He did acknowledge that the second section of the race was run at a very quick tempo. M Chadwick was told he should be mindful of the pace he is setting in a race. VILLAGE KID was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, VILLAGE KID was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination confirmed the horse to be a “roarer”. WONDERFUL GAINS, ELITE SIXTY-SIX and COOL COT were sent for sampling.