20/03/2011  Shatin  Race 9

When parading behind the barriers, WAR CZAR became very fractious, resulting in its rider, C W Wong, being dislodged. When dislodged from WAR CZAR, C W Wong injured his left leg. As C W Wong was not able to fulfil his race riding engagement, WAR CZAR was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, WAR CZAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. Approaching the 1500 Metres, OTTIMO was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SLEEP WELL. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of Z Purton (TAKEANOTHERCHANCE) over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he will nonetheless be reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding ATHENIUM being ridden in the lead, J Lloyd stated that he had been advised yesterday by Mr S Woods, the trainer of ATHENIUM, that that horse had worked well in the lead up to today’s race when galloping with FREE JUDGEMENT. He said that he was advised that in those gallops ATHENIUM had worked in front of FREE JUDGEMENT and as it was anticipated that there was no real speed in today’s race, it was felt that ATHENIUM would benefit by being able to take up a forward position. He said ATHENIUM travelled well throughout the early and middle stages of the race, however, when placed under pressure after the 400 Metres got its head up and did not stretch out after this. Mr Woods confirmed that he had instructed Jockey Lloyd to lead on ATHENIUM , however, if another horse showed superior speed, he should sit off that horse. He said he had noted the manner in which ATHENIUM had worked when leading its gallops and, in his opinion, ATHENIUM had been disappointing in its most recent races and as there was no natural leaders in today’s race, he felt that it was in the best interests of ATHENIUM to be ridden in a forward position. After the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that an endoscopic examination of HIGH COMMAND showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, HIGH COMMAND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of TAKEANOTHERCHANCE after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of LOMBARDI after the race did not show any significant findings. PACKING OK and NEW VISION were sent for sampling.