14/03/2010  Shatin  Race 9

The tongue tie applied to ROYAL PANACHE was unable to be fitted in the Parade Ring, therefore it was fitted to the horse on arrival at the Start. As the start was effected, BEAUTY FOREVER lifted its front feet off the ground and was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, QUICK TOUCH was steadied away from the heels of FAT DRAGON which shifted out. After the 1100 Metres, BOSS was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 100 Metres, GEM OF CHIU TON was reluctant to shift to the outside of ROYAL PANACHE. Over the concluding stages, QUICK TOUCH was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CERISE CHERRY. Because of this, QUICK TOUCH was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if MY HOME TOWN had had an unfair start. After viewing the official videos and taking evidence from all parties concerned, it was established that MY HOME TOWN was sitting back on the rear gates which opened just prior to the start being effected, resulting in MY HOME TOWN commencing to back out of the stall as the start was effected. As the Stewards formed the view that MY HOME TOWN had had an unfair start as a result of a malfunction of the back gates, MY HOME TOWN was declared a non-runner [Rule 12(19)]. ENRICHED and FLYING IN were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GEM OF CHIU TON had lost its left front plate.