03/04/2011  Shatin  Race 6

TOMODACHI, which began awkwardly, was crowded for room shortly after the start between GOOD LOOKING WATCH and HERO’S WIN which shifted out after being slow to begin. After the 800 Metres and again approaching the 600 Metres, TOMODACHI got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of ELUSIVE PRINCE. WINNER SMART travelled wide and without cover throughout the race and in the Straight gave ground. Also throughout the race, HONOUR LIST travelled wide and without cover. After the race, W C Marwing reported that SHAREMA FEELING lay out throughout the race. A veterinary inspection of WINNER SMART and SUPREME WINNER after the race did not show any significant findings. SUPREME WINNER, MING HOI GLORY and HAPPY FOREVER were sent for sampling. 27/5/2011 "SUPREME WINNER" Inquiry Result The Stewards today concluded their inquiry into the analyst’s findings in respect of the post-race urine sample taken from SUPREME WINNER following that horse finishing unplaced as favourite in the Changi Handicap at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, 3 April 2011. Evidence was today taken from Mr K W Lui, the trainer of SUPREME WINNER, Mr Chiu Man Tung, the Treasurer of the All Win Syndicate which races SUPREME WINNER, Dr K H Lam, Veterinary Officer, and Dr T S M Wan, Head of Racing Laboratory. Evidence was also taken from Mr K H Ting, Assistant Trainer allocated to Mr Lui’s stable and from Mr K F Cheung, Head Lad allocated to Mr Lui’s stable. Dr Wan had previously advised that the post-race urine sample taken from SUPREME WINNER had upon analysis shown the presence of omeprazole and its metabolite hydroxyomeprazole. Dr Wan today advised that a comprehensive analysis of the pre-race urine sample taken from SUPREME WINNER at approximately 4:00 on the morning of the day it competed in the relevant race had been found not to show the presence of omeprazole or hydroxyomeprazole. Dr Lam advised the inquiry that omeprazole is the active ingredient of a product named E-gard which is used for the treatment of stomach ulcers in horses. He said omeprazole is a prohibited substance in accordance with the Rules of Racing of The Hong Kong Jockey Club as it is a substance which is capable of acting on the digestive system of a horse. Mr Lui and Mr Chiu both accepted that omeprazole is a prohibited substance in accordance with the Rules of Racing and also that the sample taken from SUPREME WINNER after the horse competed in the stated race had present in it omeprazole and its metabolite hydroxyomeprazole. Hong Kong Jockey Club Rule of Racing 138(2) states that any horse whose sample is reported as being positive to a prohibited substance shall be disqualified for such race in which it has competed. Accordingly, SUPREME WINNER was disqualified from the Changi Handicap, a race in which it finished in 9th place. Whilst the exact circumstances which led to SUPREME WINNER being exposed to E-gard was not able to be fully established, Mr Lui was found guilty of a breach of Rule 140(1) in that as the trainer of SUPREME WINNER, he did fail to ensure that the horse was free of any prohibited substance on 3 April 2011, the day on which it competed in the Changi Handicap at Sha Tin Racecourse. Having considered the circumstances of this case, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was for Mr Lui to be fined the sum of $75,000. Kim Kelly Chief Stipendiary Steward