19/06/2011  Shatin  Race 2

OUTTALIMITZ began awkwardly and was slow to begin. EPEE DE HUA began awkwardly and then despite being ridden along in the early stages was slow to muster speed. PLOT RATIO was crowded for room at the start between DRAGON BOY and FANTASTISCH which shifted out. Making the first turn after the winning post on the first occasion, HEXAGON got its head on the side and hung out badly and continued to hang out until after entering into the Back Straight. The performance of HEXAGON, which also finished tailed out was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HEXAGON will be required to perform satisfactorily in a minimum of three consecutive official barrier trials around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Near the 1100 Metres, OUTTALIMITZ got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY EMPEROR. Near the 450 Metres, ICE FIRE was checked when attempting to obtain a tight run between FANTASTISCH and HEXAGON which commenced to give ground abruptly. In this incident, FANTASTISCH became badly unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by ICE FIRE. EPEE DE HUA and LUCKY ARMY, which were following, were checked in consequence and PLOT RATIO, which was following LUCKY ARMY, was severely checked away from the heels of that horse and shifted out, resulting in DRAGON BOY being severely checked when crowded for room between that horse and BINGO KEY. LUCKY EMPEROR, which was following DRAGON BOY, was steadied in consequence. When DRAGON BOY was being severely checked, it bumped the hindquarters of BINGO KEY which became unbalanced. As the Stewards were of the opinion that there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. Throughout the race, NEWSWIRE TOO travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of DRAGON BOY after the race did not show any significant findings. FANTASTISCH, ICE FIRE and BINGO KEY were sent for sampling.