13/04/2009  Shatin  Race 4

GOSHAWK was slow to begin, then lost further ground when crowded for room between DUEL EXPRESS and GALLANT HUSSAR which shifted out abruptly. WINNER SMART, which was standing with its head turned to the left, was slow to begin. On jumping, RECORD HIGH was taken back and shifted across to a position on the rail. At the 700 Metres, RECORD HIGH got its head on the side, hung out and was checked away from the heels of DIVINE KID. Also at the 700 Metres, LIGHTNING SUCCESS became unbalanced and lost ground when tightened for room inside BELIEVE IN CHANGE which shifted in away from KING OF SCOTS. On straightening, DIVINE KID, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied away from the heels of BELIEVE IN CHANGE. Throughout the race, DUEL EXPRESS travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. Following the race, D Whyte reported he was concerned with the action of DUEL EXPRESS when giving ground. DUEL EXPRESS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, DUEL EXPRESS was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed mucopus in the horse's trachea. The performance of DUEL EXPRESS was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DUEL EXPRESS 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 regarding the performance of WINNER SMART, B Prebble said his mount was on the toe and sweated up badly prior to today's race. He said WINNER SMART had shown itself to be a temperamental type in track work and in his opinion had not progressed since it was successful at its first start. He said in the early stages of today's race WINNER SMART was inclined to hang out, however, when runners crossed to race on its outside WINNER SMART whilst not relaxing did travel more kindly. He said in the Straight when in clear running WINNER SMART hung out. He added in the Straight WINNER SMART did not lengthen stride as he felt the horse should and this might have been because of today's track being firmer than in recent times. WINNER SMART was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of WINNER SMART after the race did not show any significant findings. REGENCY KINGDOM was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, REGENCY KINGDOM was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a small amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. AMNESTY and HOT PEPPER were sent for sampling. Following the race, BELIEVE IN CHANGE was examined by the Veterinary Officer at the request of Trainer P O'Sullivan. He said BELIEVE IN CHANGE was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and an endoscopic examination showed blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, BELIEVE IN CHANGE will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported GALLANT HUSSAR had lost its left front plate.