10/01/2015  Shatin  Race 2

DRAGON ENERGY was crowded for room on jumping between GRASSLAND DRAGON and EXPEDITE which shifted in abruptly. From wide barriers, HOLY MAC and CULTURAL CITY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, DRAGON ENERGY was awkwardly placed between GRASSLAND DRAGON and EXPEDITE. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, DANEWIN TIGER got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied to obtain cover. At the 900 Metres, CULTURAL CITY was galloped on by the riderless FAIR WIND. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CULTURAL CITY had sustained a wound over the left hind tendon region. Approaching the 500 Metres, EXPEDITE got its head on the side and lay out and in doing so struck the heels of DANEWIN TIGER and blundered badly, resulting in its rider, K Teetan, becoming unbalanced. At the entrance to the Straight, COSTA DEL SOL was bumped by HAPPY MOMENTS which shifted out into clear running. For the majority of the race, PAKISTAN BABY travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered whether FAIR WIND had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from Jockey D Whyte and Mr T McGovern, the Starter. After taking evidence from both parties and after viewing the official videos, it was established that as the start was effected, FAIR WIND, which had been standing well, became fractious and sat down behind, resulting in D Whyte being dislodged due to the fractious nature of the horse. FAIR WIND then exited the barrier stalls riderless. As the Stewards formed the opinion that FAIR WIND had caused its own difficulties, it was deemed to have been afforded a fair start and accordingly was confirmed as a runner. Before being allowed to race again, FAIR WIND will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. N Rawiller stated that as EN CIVIL had been able to lead without having too much use made of it and was able to set an average tempo in the early stages, he commenced to quicken the pace after the 800 Metres with a view to establishing a margin over the remainder of the field. He said he felt this was in the horse’s best interests given that it had not been required to run at a strong tempo throughout the first half of the race. A veterinary inspection of EXPEDITE and PAKISTAN BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY MOMENTS and DASHING SUPER were sent for sampling. <12/2/2015 Additional Veterinary Report>EXPEDITE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. EXPEDITE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P O’Sullivan yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, EXPEDITE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.