15/03/2009  Shatin  Race 5

NICE KING was withdrawn on 14.3.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (inappetance) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter GALACTIC TACTIC (W M Lai). Before being allowed to race again, NICE KING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. POTPOURRI began awkwardly and lost further ground when bumped by COOL CAT which shifted out. After this, POTPOURRI travelled wide and without cover. On jumping, MOONGLOW bumped with AMAZING FORTUNE, then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed. Also on jumping, ZABEEL TREASURE was bumped by CHINA HERO. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, MARBLE RED hung out. Also making the turn at the 800 Metres, GALACTIC TACTIC was carried into a three wide position without cover when SMART KNIGHT shifted out from behind HUSSLER. After the 550 Metres, HUSSLER became unbalanced after being bumped by SMART KNIGHT which making the Home Turn and in the Straight hung in. In the Straight, PEARL HALO hung in. G Mossé (STEEL NERVES), 3rd placegetter, was reminded of his responsibility to ride his mounts out fully to the end of the race where circumstances permit. The performance of ZABEEL TREASURE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ZABEEL TREASURE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, E Saint-Martin (POTPOURRI) expressed concern over the action of his horse. POTPOURRI was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said there were no significant findings. The performance of POTPOURRI, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, POTPOURRI will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. COOL CAT, MOONGLOW and GALACTIC TACTIC were sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, COOL CAT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said there were no significant findings. However, he noted the horse had lost its left hind plate. A veterinary inspection of MOONGLOW and GALACTIC TACTIC after the race did not show any significant findings. GO LUCKY GO and SMART KNIGHT were sent for sampling.