26/02/2012  Shatin  Race 10

LUCKY SCEPTER was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (swollen right hind fetlock). Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY SCEPTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the Start, O Doleuze (PACKING WHIZ) reported that the horse had struck a rail when proceeding to the Start. A veterinary examination of PACKING WHIZ found that horse to be suitable to race. JUMBO GOLD was slow to begin and then in the early and middle stages travelled keenly when awkwardly placed close to the heels of MASQUERADER. Passing the 800 Metres, FLEET COMMAND was steadied when awkwardly placed between EARL OF LEITRIM and NEW DEERFIELD which shifted out. Passing the 600 Metres, FLEET COMMAND was checked when crowded for room between MAJESTIC FALCON and NEW DEERFIELD which shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of JUMBO GOLD. A short distance later, FLEET COMMAND was again checked when disappointed for running between MAJESTIC FALCON and NEW DEERFIELD (Z Purton) which shifted out. In the circumstances, Z Purton was severely reprimanded. Making the Home Turn, PO CHING KING got its head on the side and lay out. Rounding the Home Turn, VICTORY MASTER was bumped by MASQUERADER which shifted out into clear running. After the 200 Metres, EARL OF LEITRIM got its head on the side and shifted out. Then passing the 150 Metres, EARL OF LEITRIM hung out badly and shifted out a considerable amount of ground. EARL OF LEITRIM continued to hang out for the remainder of the race. Before being allowed to race again, EARL OF LEITRIM will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial around a bend. For the majority of the Straight, PACKING WHIZ was not able to obtain clear running and consequently was not properly tested. Throughout the race, EL ZONDA travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MASQUERADER, T Angland stated that the horse enjoyed a nice run behind the leaders and travelled well in the early and middle stages. He said he shifted MASQUERADER out rounding the Home Turn into clear running, however, when placed under pressure it did not quicken and finished off the race only fairly. He added although MASQUERADER was disappointing today, he was of the opinion the horse would be improved by the run. A veterinary inspection of MASQUERADER after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FLEET COMMAND after the race revealed that there was blood at the horse’s left nostril. The Veterinary Officer reported that an endoscopic examination confirmed the horse to have bled. EARL OF LEITRIM, FULFIL A WISH and VICTORY MASTER were sent for sampling.