16/01/2011  Shatin  Race 3

CALIFORNIA CHOICE was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (presence of mucopus on scoping after track work). Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA CHOICE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. VIVA DOLPHIN began awkwardly and was slow to begin. KING OF THE DAY and VITAL SMART bumped at the start. Approaching the 800 Metres, LUCKY RED got its head up and proved difficult to settle. Also approaching the 800 Metres, D DAY SUPER was steadied when crowded for room between LUCKY RED which was proving difficult to settle and FIVE CLUBS (M Guyon) which shifted out. M Guyon was reprimanded and advised to leave sufficient racing room for his fellow riders in similar circumstances. Approaching the 600 Metres, VITAL SMART was steadied away from the heels of KING OF THE DAY (G Cheyne) which shifted in. G Cheyne reported that KING OF THE DAY lay in throughout the race. At the 400 Metres, FIVE CLUBS was checked when disappointed for a run where there was insufficient room between ABLE CHARM and FREE AND EASY which shifted out. LUCKY RED had difficulty obtaining clear running after the 400 Metres and then near the 300 Metres was shifted in away from the heels of ABLE CHARM to obtain clear running. Over the final 400 Metres, VITAL SMART got its head on the side and hung out. W M Lai (LUCKY RED) was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out to the end of the race where circumstances permit. A veterinary inspection of ABLE CHARM after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, ABLE CHARM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FIVE CLUBS had bled from both nostrils. ABLE CHARM, DIAMOND KNIGHT and DANE PATROL were sent for sampling.