22/06/2008  Shatin  Race 10

After arriving at the Start, S K Sit expressed concern over the action of FORTUNE WARRIOR. FORTUNE WARRIOR was examined by the Veterinary Surgeon who said the horse was lame in the left front leg and in his opinion was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of FORTUNE WARRIOR. Before being allowed to race again, FORTUNE WARRIOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ALL CHANCES, which was fractious in its stall, began awkwardly and then throughout the race travelled wide and without cover. MASTER GUNNER began awkwardly and lost ground. WINBO was slow to begin, then on several occasions approaching and passing the 1400 Metres got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of MASCOT FORTUNE. MAVERICK began awkwardly and then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed. From a wide barrier, MARIACHI was taken back in the early stages. At the 400 Metres, ALL CHANCES was bumped by MASTER GUNNER which when endeavouring to improve its position was awkwardly placed outside the heels of WINNING SPEED which was carried out by ANKH MORPORK. For a considerable distance after the 400 Metres, FIRST AMONG EQUALS had difficulty obtaining clear running. Throughout the race, WINNING SPEED travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of MASCOT FORTUNE, Apprentice K T Yeung explained in his opinion the horse did not handle the step up in distance of today’s race to 1600 Metres at its first time of asking. He said MASCOT FORTUNE stayed on reasonably until the final 200 Metres when it commenced to give ground. MASTER GUNNER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MASTER GUNNER after the race did not show any significant findings. ANKH MORPORK and MAVERICK were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported CHEERFUL MASTER had bled from both nostrils.