15/09/2007  Shatin  Race 6

PRETTY TRIO was withdrawn on 14.9.07 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore suspensory) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter WHIPLASH (S Dye). Before being allowed to race again, PRETTY TRIO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, COURAGEOUSHEART failed to muster speed. G Boss (OCEAN TRANQUIL) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of SAFETY FIRST, causing that horse to be crowded for room and lose its rightful running. G Boss was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday 27 September 2007 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting next Wednesday 19 September 2007. In addition, G Boss was fined $10,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. After the 900 Metres, FLORAL NIRVANA was crowded for room and steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of WONG'S SUCCESS as a result of being carried in by COURAGEOUSHEART (Z Purton). Z Purton was told to exercise greater care. After the 800 Metres, UNIQUE SPEED was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of OPERA MAGIC which momentarily shifted in when not clear. Also after the 800 Metres, WHIPLASH was left racing wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of WHIPLASH, which tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WHIPLASH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Making the turn after the 800 Metres, SCOOT DA LOOT hung out. Because of this, making the Home Turn, OPERA MAGIC was carried wider. Prior to straightening, WONG'S SUCCESS was steadied away from the heels of SAFETY FIRST. At the 150 Metres, B Prebble (SAFETY FIRST) dropped his whip. MERIDIAN PRIDE, WHIPLASH and UNIQUE SPEED were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MERIDIAN PRIDE, WHIPLASH and UNIQUE SPEED after the race did not show any significant findings. SAFETY FIRST and WISE LOVER were sent for sampling.