28/04/2013  Shatin  Race 6

Whilst in the saddling stalls, FORMULA WON had its left front plate replated. FORMULA WON was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. ALL WIN BOY began awkwardly and lost ground. Shortly after the start, AMBER DRAGON was bumped by HONEY KING PRAWN which was taken in by HO IN ONE. From wide barriers, MEDIC SWORDSMAN and OWNERS’ PRIDE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. BO BO EXPRESS proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions in the early and middle stages. For some distance after the 400 Metres, FORMULA WON was held up after being disappointed for running between GRIFFINDOR and AMBER DRAGON which shifted out. Then passing the 300 Metres, FORMULA WON was again held up for clear running behind AMBER DRAGON which after initially shifting out then shifted back in. FORMULA WON then continued to experience difficulty obtaining clear running for some distance after the 200 Metres due to AMBER DRAGON getting its head on the side and shifting out under pressure. BO BO EXPRESS hung out under pressure in the Straight. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if WINNAM had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from Y T Cheng, the rider of WINNAM, Mr T McGovern, the Starter, and Mr T Speechley, the Assistant Starter. After viewing the official videos, it was ascertained that just prior to the start being effected, WINNAM got its head down and attempted to break out underneath the front gates which resulted in Y T Cheng putting his right arm out in an attempt to become balanced. Then as the gates opened, Y T Cheng became badly unbalanced in the saddle and was dislodged from WINNAM. As the Stewards were of the opinion that WINNAM had caused its own problems by becoming fractious as the start was effected and that there were no external influences involved in this incident, they believed that WINNAM had not had an unfair start and accordingly the horse was deemed to be a runner. Before being allowed to race again, WINNAM will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. The performance of ALL WIN BOY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ALL WIN BOY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ALL YOU WISH and HO IN ONE were sent for sampling.