27/01/2008  Shatin  Race 6

SPINMASTER was withdrawn on 26.1.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, SPINMASTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. While being saddled, DASH became fractious and shifted its right front plate. This plate was reset. The horse was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. HELENE ELITE was slow to begin. Near the 1100 Metres, BELIEVE ME was checked to avoid the heels of WELL NOTED which at this time was proving difficult to settle and shifted out when bumped by AMAZING JOURNEY which shifted out after being checked to avoid the heels of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE which got its head up and shifted out when proving difficult to settle. PALAIS D’OR, which was following, was steadied in consequence. In the circumstances, no action was taken. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, AMAZING JOURNEY was left racing without cover. Making the turn after the 800 Metres, DASHING WINNER raced ungenerously and got its head up while hanging out. At the 500 Metres, BELIEVE ME was steadied when awkwardly placed between STEEL NERVES and PALAIS D’OR. For a considerable distance after the 300 Metres, DASHING WINNER had difficulty obtaining clear running, then at the 150 Metres was steadied when crowded for room between AMAZING JOURNEY and HELENE ELITE which shifted out momentarily. Near the 200 Metres, DASH was shifted to the outside of MOSHI MOSHI to continue going forward. M Nunes (WELL NOTED) said because it was anticipated the race would not be run at a strong tempo, he was instructed to have the horse in a midfield position if possible. He said at its recent starts WELL NOTED had closed off strongly after being ridden towards the rear of the field. He said WELL NOTED began well, he immediately steadied his mount which when racing without cover proved difficult to settle. He said after encountering interference at the 1100 Metres he took his mount back to a position behind AMAZING JOURNEY to ensure it had cover. He said today WELL NOTED was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close the race off. WELL NOTED was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, WELL NOTED was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. G Mossé (PALAIS D’OR) explained from an outside barrier he had been instructed to ride his mount quietly and endeavour to have it finish the race off. He said PALAIS D’OR has proved a somewhat difficult horse and in the past has shown a tendency to hang out. He said today after riding PALAIS D’OR quietly in the early stages, because of the slow tempo of the race, he near the 600 Metres commenced to improve his position wide on the track. He said on straightening he was carried wider by runners to his inside. He said in the Straight PALAIS D’OR again hung out. He said in the circumstances the performance of PALAIS D’OR was in his opinion reasonable. PALAIS D’OR was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of PALAIS D’OR after the race did not show any significant findings. BEAUTIFUL CHOICE and HAPPY AMBASSADOR were sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 28 January 2008) PALAIS D'OR, which performed poorly, was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison. He said at that time there were no significant findings. PALAIS D'OR was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer A Lee this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to have a stiff and restricted hindlimb action. Before being allowed to race again, PALAIS D'OR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.