11/01/2014  Shatin  Race 2

GOLDEN GUNNERS, TOP ACT and NATURAL TEAM were slow to begin. From the outside barrier, LYRIC ACE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 1000 Metres, HEARTLAND raced tight inside STORM UNICORN which got its head on the side and shifted in away from outside runners. Near the 850 Metres, NAUGHTY BABY was momentarily steadied away from the heels of CHAMPION RANGER. Rounding the Home Turn, ROBUST MOMENTUM was shifted in away from the heels of LUFFY. Passing the 150 Metres, TOP ACT was awkward inside YO-YO DA and then near the 100 Metres momentarily raced tight between YO-YO DA and HEARTLAND. In the Straight, NAUGHTY BABY hung in. Throughout the race, SECRET IDENTITY and RECORD AGAIN travelled wide and without cover. After the race, M Demuro (NATURAL TEAM) reported that the horse hung out throughout the race, particularly in the Home Straight. Also after the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on GOLDEN GUNNERS at the request of Trainer D Cruz. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, GOLDEN GUNNERS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of STORM UNICORN immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of STORM UNICORN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, STORM UNICORN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HEARTLAND, NAUGHTY BABY and YO-YO DA were sent for sampling.