30/11/2008  Shatin  Race 8

GOLD STRIKER was withdrawn on 29.11.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and TCHAIKOVSKY, 1st Standby Declared Starter, was also withdrawn on 29.11.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). GOLD STRIKER was replaced by 2nd Standby Declared Starter SIR ERNESTO (B Prebble). Before being allowed to race again, GOLD STRIKER and TCHAIKOVSKY will both be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of ROYAL PRINCE after the horse refused to load, resulting in a considerable delay to the start. Considering ROYAL PRINCE’s previous records, the horse will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a series of official barrier trials. When the gates opened, SIR ERNESTO stood flat-footed and lost a considerable amount of ground. After the 1200 Metres, MASTER POWER was steadied when awkwardly placed between TIBER and FLEET COMMAND. At the 1100 Metres, FULL OF JOY was checked to avoid the heels of YELLOW DIAMOND (C K Tong) which while being steadied shifted across when not properly clear. C K Tong was severely reprimanded and told in similar circumstances he must not steady his mounts as he shifts ground. After the 1000 Metres, KING ENCOSTA was left racing wide and without cover. After the 800 Metres, FULL OF JOY was checked when momentarily tightened for room inside SURVEY SURVEY which was racing tight inside MASTER POWER which in turn was racing tight inside KING ENCOSTA. As the Stewards on the available evidence were not able to place blame for this tightening on any one rider, no action was taken. From the 250 Metres until the 50 Metres, MASTER POWER was held up and unable to improve and near the 200 Metres was steadied away from the heels of KING ENCOSTA, then near the 100 Metres was checked when disappointed for running between KING ENCOSTA and FLEET COMMAND (D Whyte) and at this time was struck over the nose by the whip of D Whyte. For a considerable distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, POCKET MONEY had difficulty obtaining clear running and at the 150 Metres was checked when disappointed for running between KING ENCOSTA and GALLANT LION which shifted in. As the Stewards were of the opinion POCKET MONEY had not established rightful running, no action was taken. For the major part of the race, FLEET COMMAND travelled wide and without cover. MASTER POWER, IMPERIAL APPLAUSE and GALLANT LION were sent for sampling.