15/12/2013  Shatin  Race 9

At the time of declarations, W C Marwing was declared to ride GOOD CHOICE at 115 lbs plus 2 lbs allowable overweight. Following the running of Race 7, W C Marwing advised that he would not be able to ride GOOD CHOICE at the declared weight. It was ascertained that there was no other eligible rider who was able to ride GOOD CHOICE at its allocated weight even with allowable overweight. Mr S Woods, the trainer of GOOD CHOICE, advised the Stewards that he was comfortable for W C Marwing to ride GOOD CHOICE 3 lbs overweight. Acting under the powers of Rule 82(3), the Stewards approved for Jockey Marwing to ride GOOD CHOICE 3 lbs overweight and an announcement was made to this effect. W C Marwing was subsequently fined the sum of $5,000. SILVER GRECIAN was slow to begin. CHEETAH BOY began awkwardly. Near the 1300 Metres, GIANT’S STEPS got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPREME FALCON. Throughout the race, EAGLE POWER travelled wide and without cover. The performances of PACKING OK and CHEETAH BOY which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PACKING OK and CHEETAH 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. When questioned, D Whyte stated that SILVER GRECIAN, in his opinion, did not perform in the race as it did not appreciate the significant amount of kickback that it received. A veterinary inspection of SILVER GRECIAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on GIANT’S STEPS at the request of Trainer W Y So. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea and confirmed the horse to be a “roarer”. The performance of GIANT’S STEPS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GIANT’S STEPS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of PACKING OK and SUPREME FALCON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HYPERSONIC and EAGLE POWER were sent for sampling.