23/03/2011  Shatin  Race 8

YUE LU TREASURE was withdrawn on 22.3.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, YUE LU TREASURE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. From a wide barrier, SHIFACHI TRADITION was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For the majority of the race, EASTERN EMPIRE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CHATER D’CAT, D Whyte explained that it had been intended for the horse to be ridden in 3rd or 4th position with cover if possible. He said in the early stages he looked to obtain cover, however, approaching the winning post on the first occasion was left racing three wide and without cover outside VIGOR DELIGHT. He said he did not feel that it was an option at that time to restrain CHATER D’CAT in the hope of obtaining cover behind VIGOR DELIGHT, therefore he allowed CHATER D’CAT to continue forward to race outside and behind the leader of the race, HEALTHY BLUEBERRY. He said although racing without cover, CHATER D’CAT travelled comfortably throughout the race until after straightening. He said at this time he placed CHATER D’CAT under pressure, however, a short distance later CHATER D’CAT commenced to give ground and was most disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race in the Straight. He added that although CHATER D’CAT is better suited by being able to obtain cover in a race, in his view the fact that it was obliged to race without cover did not explain the manner in which the horse gave ground in the Straight. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on SHIFACHI TRADITION. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, SHIFACHI TRADITION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of WIN PRACTITIONER and CHATER D’CAT after the race did not show any significant findings. CHATER D’CAT, JOLLY GOOD and VIGOR DELIGHT were sent for sampling.