20/03/2011  Shatin  Race 2

After being loaded, DIVIDEND CHAMPION became fractious and got out under the front gates. When this occurred, the saddle fitted to DIVIDEND CHAMPION was dislodged. As DIVIDEND CHAMPION was breaking out under the front gates, FIRST CLASS became fractious in the barriers, reared and got down. When FIRST CLASS got down, it kicked out on a number of occasions and in doing so kicked MING HOI GLORY which was boxed in the barrier stall immediately to the inside of FIRST CLASS. When kicked by FIRST CLASS, MING HOI GLORY also became fractious and got its left hind leg on the barrier platform. DIVIDEND CHAMPION was returned to the Start and FIRST CLASS and MING HOI GLORY were removed from the barriers. All three horses were examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that each horse was not suitable to race. Accordingly, DIVIDEND CHAMPION, FIRST CLASS and MING HOI GLORY were withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, DIVIDEND CHAMPION and FIRST CLASS will both be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Before being allowed to race again, MING HOI GLORY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. In this incident, D Beadman, the rider of MING HOI GLORY, injured his right leg and was stood down from riding by the Club’s medical officers. The Stewards ruled that all horses be removed from the barriers and the start of this race was delayed. When being initially loaded into the barriers, SOMETHING SPECIAL momentarily made contact with the starting stalls, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed fit to race. When being reloaded, SOMETHING SPECIAL proved difficult to load. Before being allowed to race again, SOMETHING SPECIAL will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. From a wide barrier, HARSH BROWN was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1000 Metres, HARSH BROWN was steadied away from the heels of LUCKY FOLLOW ME when barely clear. Near the 800 Metres, SWEETIE MUSIC got its head on the side and shifted out across the heels of MERRY TOWKAY. Near the 700 Metres, LUCKY FOLLOW ME got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of MERRY TOWKAY. Near the 600 Metres, FULL HOUSE was steadied away from the heels of TRAVEL KING. After the 600 Metres, HARSH BROWN became unbalanced when crowded for room between SOMETHING SPECIAL and SWEETIE MUSIC (H W Lai) which shifted out. H W Lai was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. In the early part of the Straight, FOR SZESZE SAN was held up for clear running. Then passing the 200 Metres, FOR SZESZE SAN was steadied when attempting a run between SPACE RACE and SUNSHINE KID where there was insufficient room. Passing the 300 Metres, SWEETIE MUSIC and TRAVEL KING raced tight between HARSH BROWN and POTENTIAL which shifted out. In this incident, TRAVEL KING and SWEETIE MUSIC became unbalanced. Passing the 100 Metres, SPACE RACE shifted out abruptly across the running of SUNSHINE KID which had to be steadied away from the heels of that horse. A veterinary inspection of MERRY TOWKAY after the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY FOLLOW ME and SPACE RACE were sent for sampling.