27/06/2010  Shatin  Race 5

PERFECT TEN was withdrawn on 24.6.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (swollen right fore cannon) and was replaced by 1st Standby Declared Starter CHARMGOLD. ALMIGHTY was withdrawn on 26.6.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by 2nd Standby Declared Starter AMBITIOUS OWNER (W C Marwing). Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT TEN and ALMIGHTY will both be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SMART CHOICE was crowded for room at the start between HEALTHY MANNER and SPLENDID SAILS which began awkwardly and shifted out. Approaching the 1200 Metres, CHARMGOLD raced ungenerously and got its head up on a number of occasions. After the 800 Metres, BE GRATEFUL got its head on the side and lay in. Near the 150 Metres, WIN-A-LOT shifted out abruptly across the heels of BE GRATEFUL which itself shifted out when giving ground. When questioned, W C Marwing stated that he was instructed, from the wide barrier, to take AMBITIOUS OWNER, which was having only its second start on the All Weather surface today, across behind runners in the early stages. He said it was felt that if AMBITIOUS OWNER were to be ridden in a more forward position, the horse may be left racing wide. A veterinary inspection of BE GRATEFUL after the race did not show any significant findings. QUANTUM EXPRESS and SMART CHOICE were sent for sampling. <28/6/2010 Additional Veterinary Report> The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that ABLE DRAGON was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, ABLE DRAGON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.