21/09/2008  Shatin  Race 3

The Stewards today interviewed Mr A S Cruz, the trainer of KINDACROSS, as to the circumstances regarding the horse being mistakenly treated with the anti-inflammatory medication phenylbutazone on Thursday 18 September 2008. Phenylbutazone is a prohibited substance as defined by the Rules. Also interviewed were Mr W P Hung, assistant trainer to Mr Cruz, Mr Y K Ip, head lad, Mr K K Ho, stable assistant, and Mr W M Tsang, stable assistant. KINDACROSS was withdrawn by order of the Stewards on Thursday 18 September 2008. Mr Cruz pleaded guilty to being in breach of Rule 50(2) in that he failed in his responsibility for the work of the stable staff allocated to him which resulted in KINDACROSS being mistakenly treated. For this breach, Mr Cruz was fined $20,000. Mr Hung, Mr Ip, Mr Ho and Mr Tsang were advised a report regarding their involvement in this matter would be forwarded to the Stables Management for any action they deem appropriate. WHISKY POWER, which was fractious in its stall and was standing with its head turned to the left as the gates opened, was slow to begin. STAR LEGEND began awkwardly. D Whyte reported LUCIA travelled ungenerously throughout, on numerous occasions became unbalanced in its action and near the 700 Metres bounded in the air. Trainer J Size confirmed LUCIA has on occasions become unbalanced in its action during track work and trials. Mr Size was told the Stewards will continue to monitor the action of LUCIA. LUCIA was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. VIVA FIGHTER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of LUCIA and VIVA FIGHTER after the race did not show any significant findings. GOOD DISHES and STAR LEGEND were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported GOOD DISHES was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, GOOD DISHES will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.