19/12/2009  Shatin  Race 4

CHEERFUL HAPPINESS was withdrawn on 17.12.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fractured right upper jaw) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter GO STITCH. Before being allowed to race again, CHEERFUL HAPPINESS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Stewards delayed the declaration of weighed-in as they were of the prima facie view that GO STITCH (Apprentice K C Leung) may have had an unfair start. However, after viewing all the available films and considering the evidence submitted by Apprentice Leung, the Stewards found that following the blindfold being removed from GO STITCH, the horse turned its head to the right and as the start was effected, whilst being assisted by a starting gate handler, then turned its head to the left, stood flat-footed and lost a considerable amount of ground. The Stewards therefore believed this was not an appropriate occasion on which they should exercise their powers under Rule 12(19) and GO STITCH was declared as a runner. Before being allowed to race again, GO STITCH will have to perform satisfactorily in a series of official barrier trials. After being loaded into the barriers, SUPER FAMILY got its left hind leg momentarily caught on the platform. SUPER FAMILY was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said, in his opinion, it was suitable to race. On jumping, WIKI WIKI threw its head up on a number of occasions, was reluctant to race and consequently lost a considerable amount of ground. WIKI WIKI then raced detached from the field for the majority of the race. Before being allowed to race again, WIKI WIKI will have to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. Passing the 800 Metres, CLOVIS was hampered and taken wider by KING OF TURF which at this time got its head on the side and hung out across the heels of EXCELLENT ELITE. HIGH NOTE was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and then near the 100 Metres was steadied when awkwardly placed between AMERICAN GLORY and NOBLE ZOOM, both of which shifted slight ground. Over the final 200 Metres, CRUSH ON YOU was unable to obtain clear running and because of this was not tested as it normally would be. Also over the final 200 Metres, EXCELLENT ELITE shifted out under pressure, resulting in GO STITCH and WIKI WIKI being taken wider. Throughout the race, BAYVIEW GREYSLEW travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of FANTASTIC TIME, G Cheyne stated that he was instructed to have the horse begin well if possible and to obtain a position in front of midfield. He said he rode his mount along in the early stages and obtained a position behind AMERICAN GLORY and settled where anticipated. A veterinary inspection of CLOVIS after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. It was also noted that CLOVIS had lost its left front plate. Before being allowed to race again, CLOVIS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of BAYVIEW GREYSLEW and GO STITCH after the race did not show any significant findings. GO STITCH, SUPER FAMILY and AMERICAN GLORY were sent for sampling. The Stewards opened an inquiry into Apprentice M L Yeung’s handling of NOBLE ZOOM. After taking evidence from Apprentice Yeung, his allocated trainer, Mr A Lee, as well as Apprentice T H So, the rider of SUPER FAMILY, and from Apprentice So’s allocated trainer, Mr L Ho, the Stewards adjourned the inquiry until a date to be fixed.