08/06/2014  Shatin  Race 6

W M Lai (ASCENSION) was fined $2,000 for initially weighing out without a girth. After being loaded, ASCENSION became fractious and got its head down underneath the front gates, resulting in both the front gates being damaged. ASCENSION was removed from the stalls and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of ASCENSION. Before being allowed to race again, ASCENSION will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When this incident occurred, SUNNY PEARL also became fractious, resulting in that horse being removed from the barriers. Due to the damage incurred to the front gates of this stall, this set of barriers were not used again for the remainder of the racemeeting. From the outside barriers, MAGICAL BEAM and SMART PLANET were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. MY SURPLUS was tightened for room on jumping between RAZOR QUEST and ENCHANTING DIAMOND which shifted out. Shortly after the start, SNOW SLIDER became unbalanced when badly crowded for room between QUALITY KING and SILVER DRAGON, both of which shifted ground. In this incident, QUALITY KING became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by SNOW SLIDER, resulting in QUALITY KING shifting in further and causing SNOW SLIDER to be checked after travelling a short distance. At the 1300 Metres, SNOW SLIDER was then steadied away from the heels of QUALITY KING which was taken in by DOUBLE DRAGON which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider, Apprentice C Y Lui. After this, DOUBLE DRAGON was ridden along to obtain a forward position, however, was unable to clear runners to its inside and consequently travelled wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. Passing the 350 Metres, MAGICAL BEAM was held up when disappointed for running between DOUBLE DRAGON and PENNY LANE which shifted out when attempting to improve to the outside of SILVER DRAGON. After this, MAGICAL BEAM was unable to obtain clear running and passing the 100 Metre was steadied when crowded for room between DOUBLE DRAGON and SILVER DRAGON which was hampered when taken out by SNOW SLIDER (C Reith) which shifted out under pressure. PENNY LANE, which was following SILVER DRAGON, was inconvenienced in consequence. In the circumstances, C Reith was severely reprimanded and advised that he would be expected to make a far greater effort to keep his mounts on a straight course in future. Over the concluding stages, SMART PLANET was awkwardly placed outside the heels of ENCHANTING DIAMOND. A veterinary inspection of PENNY LANE, SMART PLANET and SILVER DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SILVER DRAGON, SUNNY PEARL and FIRE STARTER were sent for sampling.