30/01/2011  Shatin  Race 8

THUMBS UP was withdrawn on 29.1.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind). Before being allowed to race again, THUMBS UP will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Passing the 1400 Metres, SUNNY KING got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of CHATER WAY. For some distance approaching and passing the 1200 Metres and again near the 1000 Metres, SPECIAL DAYS raced tight inside IRIAN (B Doyle) which shifted in. B Doyle was severely reprimanded and advised that he must at all times ensure that his fellow riders have comfortable racing room. VIVA PATACA got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of SPECIAL DAYS near the 1000 Metres. For some distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, SIGHT WINNER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BEAUTY FLASH. VIVA PATACA was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and then passing the 200 Metres was again held up and unable to obtain clear running for the remainder of the race. Consequently VIVA PATACA was not able to be properly tested in the Straight. D Whyte (CHATER WAY) dropped his whip near the 250 Metres. Over the concluding stages, IRIAN raced in restricted room between BEAUTY FLASH and SUNNY KING, both of which shifted slight ground. Throughout the race, YOUNG ELITE travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of YOUNG ELITE after the race revealed that the horse had bled from both nostrils. When questioned, D Whyte stated that he had been instructed to ride CHATER WAY in midfield or slightly behind midfield if possible. He said it was felt that the horse had not been finishing off its races when being ridden in forward positions at its most recent starts and it was therefore hoped that if the horse were able to be ridden more conservatively today, it would be able to close off more effectively. He said however in the Straight CHATER WAY got its head on the side and hung out away from runners to its inside and was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CHATER WAY had lost its left front plate and that FELLOWSHIP had sustained a cut to the right front cannon. IRIAN, BEAUTY FLASH and SUNNY KING were sent for sampling.