28/06/2014  Shatin  Race 7

When being saddled, REAL TREAT reared and fell over. The Veterinary Officer reported that in this incident REAL TREAT sustained a wound to the left front fetlock and as such was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of REAL TREAT. Before being allowed to race again, REAL TREAT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LUCKY FOLLOW ME began awkwardly and lost ground. TRUE COMMENT and ROCKET LET WIN were slow to begin. SUGAR (J Moreira), which was leaning on the inside of its stall, began only fairly. J Moreira advised that it had been intended for SUGAR to be ridden into a forward position, however, this was not possible due to the manner in which the horse began and which resulted in SUGAR racing back in the field. SUGAR lost its left front plate passing the 600 Metres. Approaching the 400 Metres, PLEASANT KNIGHT lost ground when crowded for room outside ROCKET LET WIN which got its head on the side and shifted out away from DISCIPLES TWELVE. Approaching the 50 Metres, SUGAR and CHOICE TREASURE raced tight. Close to the finishing line, IMPERIAL FIGHTER and HELLA HEDGE bumped, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. The performance of PLEASANT KNIGHT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PLEASANT KNIGHT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When pulling up after the race, J Moreira, the rider of the 4th placed, SUGAR, was dislodged. SUGAR then proceeded riderless to the end of the 1800 Metre chute. SUGAR was then unable to be recaptured for a considerable period of time. In order to prevent an unreasonable delay and as the Stewards were satisfied that there were no circumstances which suggested that less than the proper weight was carried throughout the race, they, in the exceptional circumstances, declared weighed-in on the numbers semaphored by the Judge even though J Moreira was unable to weigh-in after the race. Subsequently J Moreira was examined by the Club’s medical officers and passed fit to fulfil his remaining riding engagements. A veterinary inspection of CHOICE TREASURE, ROCKET LET WIN and SUGAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUGAR, DANE PATROL and DISCIPLES TWELVE were sent for sampling.