07/02/2015  Shatin  Race 2

The Stewards interviewed Mr A Schutz, the trainer of SUGAR, Standby Declared Starter No. 2 for this race, being treated on Thursday, 5 February 2015. Also interviewed were Mr S L Tai, Mr Schutz’s currently allocated assistant trainer and Dr P Curl, Executive Manager, Veterinary Regulation. SUGAR was promoted from Reserve No. 3 to Reserve No. 2 on Wednesday, 4 February 2015 following the withdrawal of a horse from the field. Mr Schutz pleaded guilty to a breach of Rule 50(2) in that as the person responsible for all matters pertaining to the running of his stable, he negligently permitted SUGAR to be treated on Thursday, 5 February 2015 when that horse had previously been promoted to Standby Declared Starter No. 2 in this race. Mr Schutz was fined the sum of $20,000. Whilst parading, PEACE COMBINATION lost its left front plate, resulting in the horse having to be replated. PEACE COMBINATION was examined by the Veterinary Officer and found to be suitable to race. LUCKY PLACE, which proved fractious in the Parade Ring and when entering the track, dislodged its rider, C K Tong on arrival at the Start. LUCKY PLACE then galloped riderless for some distance. Acting on veterinary advice that LUCKY PLACE was not suitable to race, the horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. The Stewards ruled that prior to being permitted to race again, LUCKY PLACE will be required to undergo a satisfactory parade test and must also undergo an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Subsequently C K Tong was examined by the Club’s medical officers and passed fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements. PERFECT SMART was slow to begin. DINING STAR began awkwardly. PEACE COMBINATION lost its left front plate shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, TIMELY ARRIVED shifted out, resulting in GOLDEN CHOPSTICKS being bumped and crowded onto GLORY HORSIE which became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by GOLDEN CHOPSTICKS. After the 500 Metres, DIAMOND MYSTERIOUS was steadied away from the heels of GLORY HORSIE which shifted in after being crossed by TIMELY ARRIVED which shifted out when just clear. DIAMOND MYSTERIOUS was badly held up for clear running from near the 300 Metres until passing the 150 Metres. Near the 150 Metres, ALL MY GAIN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PEACE COMBINATION which was shifted in after initially being inclined to race with its head on the side and lay out. Close to the finishing line, FAY DEEP and TIMELY ARRIVED bumped due to both horses shifting ground. A veterinary inspection of GLORY HORSIE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, GLORY HORSIE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MASSIVE MOVE, FAY DEEP and PEACE COMBINATION were sent for sampling.