11/09/2011  Shatin  Race 6

LIFE OF BEAUTY was withdrawn on 9.9.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter INDUSTRIAL HERO. Before being allowed to race again, LIFE OF BEAUTY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HARVEST DANCER began awkwardly. SUPER GENTLEMAN was crowded for room at the start between INDUSTRIAL HERO and BAITIWU, both of which began awkwardly. After this, INDUSTRIAL HERO was taken across behind runners. Near the 900 Metres, MOCHI became unbalanced when awkwardly placed close to the heels of LONGWAH KID. After the 800 Metres, SUPER GENTLEMAN got its head on the side and lay out. Passing the 600 Metres, HARVEST DANCER stumbled badly and almost fell. It was ascertained that at this stage of the race HARVEST DANCER had overreached with its right hind leg. After this, HARVEST DANCER was eased out of the race. A veterinary inspection of HARVEST DANCER after the race revealed that the horse to have sustained cuts to its right front and right hind cannons. Mr P O’Sullivan, the trainer of HARVEST DANCER, was advised that prior to being permitted to race again, HARVEST DANCER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LONGWAH KID, which was following HARVEST DANCER, shifted out to avoid that horse’s heels and in doing so took SOHNA wider. After the 400 Metres, ROCK’N TYPHOON was shifted to the outside of LUCKY NISTELROOY when disappointed for running between that horse and HERO’S WIN. A short distance later, HAPPY SCORE was momentarily steadied when disappointed for running between BAITIWU and ROCK’N TYPHOON which shifted out. Also after the 400 Metres, INDUSTRIAL HERO was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KING ON EARTH which shifted out under pressure. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LONGWAH KID, Apprentice C Y Ho stated that after the 800 Metres he attempted to obtain a position to the outside of LUCKY NISTELROOY and inside HARVEST DANCER, however, was not able to obtain this position due to LUCKY NISTELROOY remaining in a position one horse off the fence. He said after the 600 Metres LONGWAH KID was hampered when having to avoid the heels of HARVEST DANCER. He said after this incident LONGWAH KID initially responded well when placed under pressure, however, over the final 200 Metres gave ground. He added that, in his opinion, given that LONGWAH KID had encountered some interference in the race, the horse’s performance was not overly disappointing. A veterinary inspection of LONGWAH KID after the race did not show any significant findings. LONGWAH KID, MASTER KEY and LUCKY NISTELROOY were sent for sampling.