13/06/2009  Shatin  Race 2

WILFRED’S PET had its right front plate refitted prior to leaving the saddling stalls. BROTHERHOOD, which had been fractious in its stall and was standing badly, was slow to begin. BLINK AGAIN began awkwardly. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, SPLENDID SAILS failed to muster speed. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, PERFECT STRENGTH, which initially was carried in by WILFRED’S PET, became unbalanced and got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of that horse. No action was taken. After the 800 Metres, BLINK AGAIN was steadied away from the heels of FLYING SPRINTER. Shortly after straightening, PERFECT STRENGTH was bumped on two occasions by WINBO (P H Lo) which was endeavouring to shift to the outside of BROTHERHOOD into clear running. P H Lo was reprimanded and told in similar circumstances he would be expected to exercise greater care. Shortly after the 400 Metres, PERFECT STRENGTH, which continued to be unbalanced, was checked when crowded for room between WINBO and WILFRED’S PET, both of which shifted ground. No action was taken. After this, PERFECT STRENGTH was eased down. Following the race, Z Purton (PERFECT STRENGTH) reported his mount made a significant abnormal breathing noise throughout the race. PERFECT STRENGTH was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, PERFECT STRENGTH was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination confirmed the horse to be a “roarer”. The performance of PERFECT STRENGTH, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT STRENGTH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. At the 300 Metres, SPLENDID SAILS, which was commencing to close the race off, was checked and shifted in to avoid the heels of PERFECT STRENGTH which was being eased down. At the 250 Metres, WINBO was steadied away from the heels of BROTHERHOOD which was carried wider by WINNER. Over the final 200 Metres, GUAN DAO got its head on the side and shifted wider on the track. For some distance after the 100 Metres, BROTHERHOOD, which was giving ground, was steadied away from the heels of WINNER. Throughout the race, WILFRED’S PET travelled wide and without cover. The performance of FABULOUS START, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FABULOUS START will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Following the race, K T Yeung (BLINK AGAIN) reported that his mount made an abnormal breathing noise during the race. BLINK AGAIN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of BLINK AGAIN after the race did not show any significant findings. BROTHERHOOD, SUNSHINE BOY and GUAN DAO were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that WINBO had lost its left front plate.