12/05/2008  Shatin  Race 4

GLOBAL WAY was withdrawn on 10.5.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter ENERGETIC BOY (Y T Cheng). Before being allowed to race again, GLOBAL WAY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The declaration of weighed-in was deferred whilst the Stewards considered whether NIGHT HUNTER III had had an unfair start. Evidence was taken from H W Lai, the rider of NIGHT HUNTER III, and Trainer T W Leung. The official videos of the start were also viewed. It was established that as the start was effected NIGHT HUNTER III, which was being assisted by an attendant, got its head up, sat back, then lifted its front feet off the ground and as a consequence lost a considerable amount of ground. Whilst it was accepted that the attendant still had hold of NIGHT HUNTER III momentarily after the gates opened, the Stewards were of the opinion that the attendant had not prevented the horse from being afforded a fair start and that NIGHT HUNTER III had created its own set of circumstances by becoming fractious as the start was effected. In those circumstances, the Stewards did not believe NIGHT HUNTER III had had an unfair start and as such the horse was declared a runner and weighed-in was declared on the numbers as semaphored by the Judge. Before being allowed to race again, NIGHT HUNTER III will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. From the outside barrier, ENERGETIC BOY was taken across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1200 Metres, ARISTOCRACY was steadied to allow GALAXY DANCER to cross. After entering the Back Straight, EXCELLENT PLASTIC became unbalanced behind after being bumped on its hindquarters by GALAXY DANCER which shifted in momentarily. Prior to straightening, ARISTOCRACY became unbalanced after bumping with LIMONCELLO. At the 300 Metres, ARISTOCRACY was checked to avoid the heels of MAKE A MINT which when giving ground was taken out slightly by GOLD DIGGER. In the circumstances, no action was taken. Also at the 300 Metres, ENERGETIC BOY, which was commencing to close the race off strongly, was steadied and shifted out to obtain clear running. At the 200 Metres, MAKE A MINT, which continued to give ground, was tightened for room outside LIGHTNING MOUNT. Passing the 100 Metres, GOLD DIGGER, LIGHTNING MOUNT and LAZY BUDDIES raced tight. Near the 50 Metres, LAZY BUDDIES, which was racing in restricted room, was checked when crowded for room between TALE OF FRIENDSHIP which shifted in slightly and LIGHTNING MOUNT which shifted out slightly. In the circumstances, no action was taken. Throughout the race, MAKE A MINT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of LIMONCELLO, Apprentice K T Yeung said the horse travelled in front of midfield as anticipated and despite having cover raced three wide throughout. He said in his opinion the performance of LIMONCELLO was attributed to its wide trip. LIMONCELLO and ARISTOCRACY were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of LIMONCELLO and ARISTOCRACY after the race did not show any significant findings. CALL ME CULLEN, TALE OF FRIENDSHIP and LIGHTNING MOUNT were sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 13 May 2008) LIMONCELLO, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. LIMONCELLO was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer A T Millard this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in the left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, LIMONCELLO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.