11/09/2016  Shatin  Race 6

NOBLE DE BOY was withdrawn on 10.9.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter LOOK ERAS (Apprentice H N Wong). Before being allowed to race again, NOBLE DE BOY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. As the start was effected, GOLDEN DEER became fractious and then began awkwardly, losing a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, GOLDEN DEER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. Shortly after the start, ORIONIDS was crowded for room between LOTUS BREEZE and EASY TOUCH which was taken out by VARA PEARL. From a wide barrier, HAPPY CHEERS was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the turn after the 800 Metres, ORIONIDS commenced to prove difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TRAVEL SUCCESSOR. Rounding the Home Turn, ORIONIDS was again awkwardly placed behind TRAVEL SUCCESSOR. Passing the 300 Metres, EASY TOUCH was momentarily awkwardly placed outside the heels of LOTUS BREEZE (T H So) which shifted out under pressure. T H So was advised to exercise more care. Approaching the 100 Metres, LOTUS BREEZE briefly raced tight inside LUCKY DAY. Throughout the race, LOOK ERAS travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards considered an application lodged by Z Purton, the rider of CHEVALIER STAR to be declared a non-runner. After taking evidence from Jockey Purton, Mr J Moore, the trainer of CHEVALIER STAR, and Mr A Speechley, the Starter and after viewing the official videos, it was established that after being placed in the barriers, a blindfold was applied to CHEVALIER STAR which is customary practice as that horse has a history of barrier issues. The Stewards heard evidence that the blindfold was to be removed late in an attempt to prevent the horse from becoming fractious. The Stewards found however that as the start was effected, the blindfold was still in the process of being removed from CHEVALIER STAR and was across the eyes of that horse at the relevant time. Having regard to CHEVALIER STAR's normal racing pattern of racing up on speed, the Stewards ruled that CHEVALIER STAR had not been afforded a fair start and accordingly that horse was declared a non-runner. A veterinary inspection of CHEVALIER STAR and GOLDEN DEER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of LOOK ERAS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. REGENCY DARLING, LUCKY DAY and LOTUS BREEZE were sent for sampling.