01/10/2008  Shatin  Race 8

ROYAL PRINCE was withdrawn on 30.9.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (blood abnormality) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SIGHT WINNER (Apprentice K L Chui). Before being allowed to race again, ROYAL PRINCE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HAWKES BAY and KINGS FALCON were a little slow to begin. In the early stages, KINGS FALCON proved difficult to settle. Near the 600 Metres, GALLANT LION was shifted out slightly away from the rails and was then checked away from the heels of SUNNY KING. Some inconvenience was caused to MY CHOICE and EXCELLENT BOY which were following. Just prior to the winning post, B Doyle (JOY AND FUN) had his whip knocked from his hand by the whip of Y T Cheng (TIBER). In the Straight, JOY AND FUN hung in. For the major part of the race, SIGHT WINNER travelled wide and without cover. E Saint-Martin (SUNNY KING) was told he was not to reach out and make contact with another rider at any time including after passing the winning post. When questioned regarding the poor performance of JOYFUL WINNER, D Beadman said his mount travelled satisfactorily in a rearward position until the 500 Metres. He said at the 500 Metres JOYFUL WINNER became unbalanced in its action, after this failed to stride out and did not close the race off. JOYFUL WINNER and KINGS FALCON were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of JOYFUL WINNER and KINGS FALCON after the race did not show any significant findings. FELLOWSHIP and HAWKES BAY were sent for sampling.