21/10/2007  Shatin  Race 3

BROWN BEAR was withdrawn on 19.10.07 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter TAKE IT EASY. Before being allowed to race again, BROWN BEAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Just prior to the start being effected, TAKE IT EASY became fractious, put its head down and then began awkwardly, causing Apprentice C W Wong, its rider, to become unbalanced. Because of this, TAKE IT EASY lost a considerable amount of ground. In the middle stages and in the Straight, TREASURE PLANET hung out. For a considerable distance in the early part of the Straight, KENOBE was held up and unable to improve. Making the Home Turn and in the Straight, FLORAL JOY II hung out, then after the 200 Metres was carried wider by LIFELINE PEGASUS which shifted out. On two occasions after the 200 Metres, C K Tong (VITALITY CHAMP) reached down with his left hand and adjusted his foot in the stirrup. Throughout the race, MAKE A MINT travelled wide and without cover. The performance of CLASSABOVE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CLASSABOVE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CLASSABOVE and TREMENDOUS PLUS were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CLASSABOVE after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, TREMENDOUS PLUS was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, TREMENDOUS PLUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DOUBLE LUCK and HAPPY AMBASSADOR were sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 22 October 2007) CLASSABOVE, which finished tailed out, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. CLASSABOVE was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer L Ho this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in the right front leg. As previously advised, CLASSABOVE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.