08/06/2008  Shatin  Race 3

BAJAN BELL was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, BAJAN BELL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. EVERGREEN began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped SILVER WRAITH which had also begun awkwardly. On jumping, AMAZING JOURNEY shifted out and bumped DRAGON INN which as a result became unbalanced and shifted ground, causing AMAZING VENTURE to be carried wider. Shortly after this, AMAZING VENTURE was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of EVERGREEN which shifted in. Near the 1100 Metres, ACCELERATOR was checked to avoid the heels of FISHKING EXCELLENT which had been ridden along to maintain its position and at this time was checked to avoid the heels of NAMJONG HUNTER (M Du Plessis) which after reaching the lead steadied the tempo. M Du Plessis was advised against unnecessarily steadying the tempo of the race after crossing to the lead. At the 800 Metres, FISHKING EXCELLENT was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of AMAZING JOURNEY. On straightening, ACCELERATOR was shifted out in an endeavour to find clear running, then near the 300 Metres was momentarily steadied when having difficulty obtaining clear running between SILVER WRAITH and DRAGON INN. After the 300 Metres, P H Lo (SILVER WRAITH) dropped his whip. For a considerable distance after the 300 Metres, AMAZING VENTURE was held up and unable to improve between DRAGON INN and LIVERBIRD. Throughout the race, BAYVIEW GREYSLEW travelled wide and without cover. The performances of BAYVIEW GREYSLEW and EVERGREEN, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BAYVIEW GREYSLEW and EVERGREEN 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. P H Lo explained from a wide barrier he was required to make use of his horse in the early stages. He said approaching the turn at the 800 Metres he continued forward to cross DRAGON INN, however, AMAZING JOURNEY held its position towards his inside and as such he was obliged to continue racing in a three wide position. He said for him to have gone forward to cross AMAZING JOURNEY in his opinion would have required him to make further use of SILVER WRAITH which had already been under pressure to go forward for a considerable distance. He said in the Straight SILVER WRAITH failed to finish the race off and in his opinion this was partly due to the horse being made use of in the early stages. P H Lo was told where circumstances permit he should at all times avoid covering unnecessary ground. SILVER WRAITH was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SILVER WRAITH after the race did not show any significant findings. NAMJONG HUNTER and LIVERBIRD were sent for sampling. After the race, it was reported AMAZING JOURNEY had lost its left front plate.