16/06/2010  Shatin  Race 10

FORTUNE HAVEN was withdrawn on 15.6.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore left fore fetlock) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter LUNAR REFLECTIONS. Before being allowed to race again, FORTUNE HAVEN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LEO’S PRIDE stood flat-footed at the start and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, LEO’S PRIDE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. As the start was effected, EIGHT PLUS NINE got its head down to the left and consequently was slow to begin. WINNING FELLOWSHIP stumbled at the start. From the outside barrier, AMAZING JOURNEY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early and middles stages, ROMA THUNDER travelled wide and without cover and passing the 800 Metres was allowed to stride forward. Near the 300 Metres, WINNING FELLOWSHIP was steadied away from the heels of LUNAR REFLECTIONS which shifted out to obtain clear running. A veterinary inspection of BE MY SONG after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. The performance of BE MY SONG, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BE MY SONG will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. M Du Plessis (CHEER) was fined $3,000 for improper use of the whip in that he raised weal marks over the horse’s right flank. After the race, C K Tong reported that LEO’S PRIDE was not comfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of LEO’S PRIDE and EIGHT PLUS NINE after the race did not show any significant findings. NATIONAL TREASURE and ROMA THUNDER were sent for sampling.