24/03/2008  Shatin  Race 8

Mr P O’Sullivan, trainer of FELLOWSHIP, was fined $2,000 for failing to notify that D Beadman would be overweight at the time of declarations. AGILITY was slow to begin. After the 1600 Metres, SYLLABUS was steadied away from the heels of FELLOWSHIP. For some distance after this, SYLLABUS proved difficult to settle. Making the Home Turn, PACKING WINNER was held up and unable to improve when following SIR ERNESTO which commenced to give ground. On straightening, PACKING WINNER was steadied and shifted out to go forward. At the 400 Metres, HAIL THE STORM was checked when crowded for room between PACKING WINNER and SYLLABUS which shifted in when being checked to avoid the heels of YOUNG HERO which commenced to give ground. For some distance after the 400 Metres, SYLLABUS continued to be checked when awkwardly placed close to the heels of YOUNG HERO. Throughout the race, GROWL travelled wide and without cover. The performances of SIR ERNESTO and YOUNG HERO, which tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SIR ERNESTO and YOUNG HERO will both be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. PACKING WINNER was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of PACKING WINNER after the race did not show any significant findings. SIR ERNESTO and CALIFORNIAMOUNTAIN were sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, SIR ERNESTO was examined the Veterinary Officer who said it had sustained a cut to the outside of its left front heel. Also after the race, CALIFORNIAMOUNTAIN was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. BULLISH CASH and FELLOWSHIP were sent for sampling. Additional Racing Incidents Report (released on 26 March 2008) The performance of GROWL, which tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, GROWL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.