13/04/2009  Shatin  Race 10

HAIL THE STORM was withdrawn on 12.4.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left front foot) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter REAL SPECIAL. Before being allowed to race again, HAIL THE STORM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GEM OF CHIU TON and PRINCE KALAMOUN were slow into stride. REAL SPECIAL began awkwardly and was then taken back. At the 700 Metres, REAL SPECIAL was checked when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GEM OF CHIU TON. After the 400 Metres, GALAXY TREASURE became unbalanced and shifted out abruptly after being bumped by ROMA PEGASUS (B Prebble) which was endeavouring to shift out to obtain clear running. When GALAXY TREASURE shifted out abruptly, PRINCE KALAMOUN, which was following, was steadied in consequence. B Prebble was told to exercise greater care. From the 400 Metres until after the 200 Metres, MR MEDICI was held up and unable to improve. Near the 100 Metres, GEM OF CHIU TON became unbalanced and was steadied after being bumped by ROMA PEGASUS which after initially being carried out by SPECIAL DAYS then shifted further of its own accord. B Prebble was severely reprimanded and told in similar circumstances he would be expected to make a greater effort to prevent his mount from shifting ground. For a considerable distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, CALIFORNIAMOUNTAIN was held up and unable to improve. O Doleuze (GEM OF CHIU TON) said his mount travelled satisfactorily throughout the race, however, immediately after passing the winning post put in a bad stride and felt as if it had gone amiss in its action and pulled up abruptly. He said initially GEM OF CHIU TON appeared to be lame in front, however, whilst being attended to by a Veterinary Surgeon was free in its action. GEM OF CHIU TON was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, GEM OF CHIU TON was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse had been treated on the track by a Veterinary Surgeon prior to being examined. He said at the time of examination no lameness could be detected. Before being allowed to race again, GEM OF CHIU TON will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SPECIAL DRAGON was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SPECIAL DRAGON after the race did not show any significant findings. MR MEDICI, SPECIAL DAYS and ROMA PEGASUS were sent for sampling.