25/04/2010  Shatin  Race 10

WILLING STORM was withdrawn on 24.4.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (high muscle enzyme) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter PRESTO (D Beadman). Before being allowed to race again, WILLING STORM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival in the Parade Ring, it was noted that AASHIQ had lost its right hind plate. This plate was refitted and the horse was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Prior to the declaration of weighed-in, the Stewards considered a submission from W C Marwing, the rider of IRON FIST, that the horse be declared a non-runner. After taking evidence from W C Marwing and Trainer A T Millard and after viewing the videos, the Stewards found that immediately prior to the field being despatched, IRON FIST became fractious and broke open the front of its gates. In the circumstances, the Stewards deemed that IRON FIST had not had an unfair start and accordingly correct weight was declared on the numbers as semaphored by the Judge. Shortly after the start, IRON FIST was crowded for room between MOONWALK which shifted in slightly and AASHIQ which was taken out by NEW GLORY. After the 900 Metres, IRON FIST was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 850 Metres, EXCEPTIONAL ART was awkwardly placed close to the heels of IRISH JIG. DOUBLE LUCK, which was following, was checked away from the heels of EXCEPTIONAL ART in consequence. At the entrance to the Straight, CHATER WAY was steadied away from the heels of MOONWALK. MOONWALK was held up and unable to obtain clear running until passing the 300 Metres. Approaching the 200 Metres, MOONWALK was steadied away from the heels of ST FEVRE (M Chadwick) which shifted out when not quite clear. M Chadwick was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. In this incident, MOONWALK bumped the hindquarters of IRON FIST which became unbalanced. Near the 50 Metres, PERFECT STYLE was tightened for room inside ST FEVRE. Because of this, PERFECT STYLE was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. Just prior to the winning post, CHATER WAY shifted ground outwards. Throughout the race, OLE OLE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of AASHIQ, J Lloyd stated that prior to the gates opening, AASHIQ lunged at the front gates. He said AASHIQ then settled well in the barriers, but began awkwardly. He said due to the manner in which AASHIQ began, he was obliged to ride the horse along in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said once obtaining a forward position, AASHIQ travelled nicely for him and relaxed well in the run. He said in the early part of the Straight AASHIQ continued to travel well, however, when challenged by QUICK TOUCH passing the 300 Metres did not respond to his riding as he thought it should. He said after this AASHIQ was disappointing in its failure to finish off its race. A veterinary inspection of AASHIQ, NEW GLORY and EXCEPTIONAL ART after the race did not show any significant findings. AASHIQ, QUICK TOUCH and CHATER WAY were sent for sampling. <26/4/2010 Additional Veterinary Report> EXCEPTIONAL ART, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. EXCEPTIONAL ART was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P F Yiu this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, EXCEPTIONAL ART will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.