05/09/2010  Shatin  Race 1

Whilst in the farriery workshop, it was noted that GENERAL DANROAD had lost its left front plate. This plate was refitted. GENERAL DANROAD was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Whilst in the saddling stalls, it was noted that WHITE DRAGON had lost its right front plate. This plate was refitted. WHITE DRAGON was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if TATTENHALL DELIGHT had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from Jockey B Doyle and Trainer T W Leung. After viewing the official videos, it was ascertained that as the start was effected, TATTENHALL DELIGHT reared of its own accord and got its head into the adjoining stall. After this, TATTENHALL DELIGHT stood in the barriers and took no part in the race. As the Stewards formed the opinion that TATTENHALL DELIGHT had not been afforded an unfair start, the horse was deemed to be a runner. Having in mind TATTENHALL DELIGHT’s previous record, the Stewards ruled that the horse must undergo satisfactorily a series of consecutive official barrier trials before being permitted to race again. EPEE DE HUA was tardy to begin and near the 1100 Metres was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPREME YEARS. Near the 1100 Metres, GENERAL DANROAD was crowded for room inside EPEE DE HUA which got its head on the side and shifted in and away from SUPREME YEARS. Passing the 1000 Metres, PRINCE OF LUCK proved difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of MUTUAL GAIN. Approaching the 900 Metres, EPEE DE HUA, which was proving difficult to settle, was checked away from the heels of WHITE DRAGON and in doing so shifted out, resulting in SUPREME YEARS and TOP SPEED being crowded for room inside MUTUAL GAIN. PROSPERITY KID, which was following SUPREME YEARS, was checked in consequence. For some distance passing the 800 Metres, HEXAGON got its head on the side and hung out. In the early part of the Straight, SUPREME YEARS proved reluctant to shift to the outside of MUTUAL GAIN. Over the concluding stages, EPEE DE HUA was inconvenienced by HEXAGON which shifted out under pressure. For the majority of the race, VALUE CHOICE travelled wide and without cover. Throughout the race, MUTUAL GAIN travelled wide and without cover. GENERAL DANROAD and HEXAGON were sent for sampling.