21/12/2013  Shatin  Race 8

When being led from the stables complex to the track, PRECISION KING slipped, resulting in the horse sustaining superficial abrasions to the left front and left hind legs. PRECISION KING was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. On arrival at the Start, N Callan, the rider of HEALTH WISE, expressed concern regarding that horse’s action. HEALTH WISE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion the horse was lame in the left front leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of HEALTH WISE. Before being allowed to race again, HEALTH WISE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. As the start was effected, GIGGLES FOREVER, which was leaning on the inside of its gate, reared and as a consequence lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, GIGGLES FOREVER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. From the outside barrier, STARTING OVER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. When being steadied to allow ULTIMATE WINNERS to cross passing the 1100 Metres, MR GINGER proved very difficult to settle and got its head up for some distance. Then approaching the 1000 Metres, when racing tight between DANCE FOR GOLD and ULTIMATE WINNERS, MR GINGER bumped the hindquarters of DANCE FOR GOLD. ACCESS YEARS was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight after attempting to obtain tight running inside PRECISION KING approaching and passing the 300 Metres and was steadied and shifted to the outside of that horse at the 200 Metres when disappointed for running inside PRECISION KING. Approaching the 300 Metres, STARTING OVER was shifted out to obtain clear running and near the 250 Metres inconvenienced BOULD MOVER. When struck with the whip in the right hand near the 150 Metres and again near the 50 Metres, STARTING OVER shifted out abruptly, resulting in its rider, C Y Ho, having to stop riding and straighten his mount. For the majority of the race, both DANCE FOR GOLD and COSTA DEL SOL travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of DANCE FOR GOLD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PRECISION KING and ACCESS YEARS were sent for sampling.