04/03/2012  Shatin  Race 7

LET ME FIGHT was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 1200 Metres, DESTINED FOR GLORY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SICHUAN SUCCESS which was being steadied to obtain a position behind LUCKY NINE. Near the 300 Metres, FLYING BLUE, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied away from the heels of SUNNY KING which shifted in. The Stewards considered a protest/objection lodged by D Whyte, the rider of GLORIOUS DAYS, which finished 2nd, against LUCKY NINE being declared the winner alleging interference near 200 Metres. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the official videos, the Stewards found that near the 200 Metres LUCKY NINE shifted out and brushed GLORIOUS DAYS. The Stewards further found that after this both LUCKY NINE and GLORIOUS DAYS shifted out under pressure and over the concluding stages raced tight. Having in mind where the incident took place and the relative margin between the horses over the remaining 200 Metres of the race and at the finish, the Stewards found that whilst there was some contact between LUCKY NINE and GLORIOUS DAYS at the 200 Metres, they could not be satisfied that had it not been for that contact that GLORIOUS DAYS would have finished in front of LUCKY NINE. Accordingly, the protest/objection was overruled and weighed-in given on the numbers as semaphored by the Judge. Throughout the race, ABLE ONE travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of AASHIQ after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of AASHIQ, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, AASHIQ will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, T Angland reported that on pulling up SICHUAN SUCCESS coughed and was making an abnormal respiratory noise. A veterinary inspection of SICHUAN SUCCESS after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, SICHUAN SUCCESS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LUCKY NINE and GLORIOUS DAYS were sent for sampling.