05/04/2009  Shatin  Race 4

WONDER KID was withdrawn on 4.4.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore left fore suspensory) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter CENTENNIAL SMILE (J Winks). Before being allowed to race again, WONDER KID will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LIGHTNING MOUNT was slow to begin. EPEE DE HUA began awkwardly. Making the turn near the 1400 Metres, EPEE DE HUA was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of CENTENNIAL SMILE. After entering the Back Straight, LIGHTNING MOUNT, which was travelling wide and without cover, was allowed to stride forward. Prior to straightening, ENERGETIC BOY was steadied away from the heels of WILD ACE. Near the 200 Metres, J Lloyd (TRIUMPHANT GLORY) dropped his left rein. At the 50 Metres, ENERGETIC BOY, which was closing the race off, was steadied when awkwardly placed between the heels of WILD ACE which shifted in slightly and LIGHTNING MOUNT which shifted out. No action was taken. When questioned regarding the poor performance of BAUHINIA, M W Leung said his mount travelled in a forward position on the rail as expected. He said after entering the Back Straight when runners improved around the field, BAUHINIA appeared reluctant to hold its position. He said near the 1000 Metres he was required to make some use of BAUHINIA to hold its position and the horse from that point on did not travel for the remainder of the race. He said when placed under pressure in the Straight BAUHINIA gave no response. BAUHINIA was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of BAUHINIA after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of BAUHINIA, which had been successful at its last two race starts including one race over the same course and distance of today’s race, was in the circumstances considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BAUHINIA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NIGHT HUNTER III was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, NIGHT HUNTER III was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse had an intermittent displacement of the soft palate. ENERGETIC BOY, TRIUMPHANT GLORY and LIGHTNING MOUNT were sent for sampling.