05/05/2013  Shatin  Race 4

The Stewards opened an inquiry into a report by representatives of the Club’s Security Department that BEAR ELITE, a declared runner in this race, had at 1:27 pm been found to be receiving ice treatment, such treatment being contrary to the provisions of Regulation 119 (p) of the Trainers’ Handbook which states that “the use of ice, ice packs or cold water treatment on a horse within two (2) hours prior to the scheduled starting time of the race in which the horse is declared to start” is a practice which is strictly prohibited by the Club. After taking evidence from Mr A T Millard, the trainer of BEAR ELITE, Assistant Trainer W S Yu, stable staff allocated to Mr Millard’s stable namely Head Lad Y H Cheng and Stables Assistant W C Ip as well as Mr S F Cheung, Assistant Security Manager (Operations) and Mr N H Chow, Senior Security Officer and also in the presence of Dr P Curl, Executive Manager, Veterinary Regulation, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of BEAR ELITE from this race. The inquiry into this matter was adjourned until a date to be fixed. Before being allowed to race again, BEAR ELITE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Jockeys T H So (HIGH RETURN) and W M Lai (JADE PIPPO) were each fined a sum of $5,000 for presenting to weigh out for this race with an incorrect saddle cloth [Rule 12(32)]. TEAM WORK was crowded for room on jumping between SOLAR DRAGON and BOBO DRAGON which shifted out. After this, TEAM WORK, despite being vigorously ridden along, failed to muster speed. From the outside barrier, SOUTHERN SPRINGS was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 1000 Metres, WAYFOONG TYCOON was hampered when taken in by GRACEFUL KINGDOM (T Berry) which got its head on the side and shifted in. T Berry was advised to exercise care. Rounding the Home Turn, SOLAR DRAGON raced tight between BULLISH BOY and JADE PIPPO which shifted out. After this, SOLAR DRAGON hung in and after the 400 Metres bumped JADE PIPPO, causing both horses to become unbalanced. SOLAR DRAGON continued to lay in under pressure after this. In the Straight and particularly in the early part of the Straight, GRACEFUL KINGDOM got its head on the side and hung in. Throughout the race, HIGH RETURN travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of FANTASY AND GOLD and QUEEN DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BOBO DRAGON and GRACEFUL KINGDOM were sent for sampling.