16/06/2010  Shatin  Race 2

SUPREME DRAGON shifted out at the start, resulting in FEEL THE FUN being taken out onto SUPER FAMILY which was hampered when crowded out onto the hindquarters of WESTERN STAR which became badly unbalanced. Shortly after the start, GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY was checked when crowded for room between FOREST FOUNTAIN and LAZY BUDDIES which shifted out on jumping. Near the 1400 Metres, HONEST TREASURE was checked away from the heels of STAR OF CHIU TON. After the 1000 Metres, SUPREME DRAGON was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 650 Metres, WINNING PAL was checked when attempting to improve between SPEED AND GOLD and WESTERN STAR where there was insufficient room. For some distance after this, WINNING PAL was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPEED AND GOLD. The performances of SUPER FAMILY and HONEST TREASURE, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER FAMILY and HONEST TREASURE will both be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, B Doyle stated that SUPREME DRAGON became badly unbalanced in its action over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME DRAGON after the race revealed that the horse was lame in its left front leg and an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, SUPREME DRAGON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. D Whyte reported that FOREST FOUNTAIN hung in badly throughout the race and particularly in the Home Straight. He said due to FOREST FOUNTAIN’s racing manners, he was not able to properly test the horse at any stage. Trainer D E Ferraris was advised that as FOREST FOUNTAIN has previously had an embargo placed upon it for hanging in during races, the Stewards believed it appropriate for FOREST FOUNTAIN to be required to satisfactorily undertake a series of consecutive official barrier trials around a bend before being allowed to race again. He was further advised that FOREST FOUNTAIN must be ridden by a senior rider in these barrier trials. WADASURPRISE and WESTERN STAR were sent for sampling.