22/02/2009  Shatin  Race 1

After being boxed, GALACTIC TACTIC became fractious and reared. Having in mind GALACTIC TACTIC’s previous history, the horse will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial before being allowed to race again. The declaration of weighed-in was deferred as the Stewards considered whether CLOVIS and ESPACE D’OR had had an unfair start. The official video of the start was viewed. It was established that CLOVIS, which was standing badly, began awkwardly and bumped the inside gate of its stall, causing O Doleuze, its rider, to become unbalanced and then be dislodged. It was further established that ESPACE D’OR, which had been fractious in its stall after having the blindfold removed, commenced to rear as the start was effected and at this time was being assisted by a gate attendant. As a consequence of its barrier behaviour, ESPACE D’OR hit its head on an overhead bar in the stalls and consequently lost a considerable amount of ground. In the circumstances, the Stewards deemed both CLOVIS and ESPACE D’OR to have had a fair start and they were therefore deemed to be runners. Weighed-in was declared on the numbers as semaphored by the Judge. Before being permitted to race again, CLOVIS will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test whilst ESPACE D’OR will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. After the race, ESPACE D’OR was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse had blood present at both nostrils, however, an endoscopic examination showed the horse’s trachea to be clean. As such, ESPACE D’OR was not deemed to have bled. Before being allowed to race again, ESPACE D’OR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Following the race, O Doleuze was examined by the Club’s doctor who said in his opinion he was fit to fulfil his remaining riding engagements. SUPER BABY stood flat-footed as the start was effected and was slow to begin. TREMENDOUS PLUS began awkwardly and bounded in the air. After the 800 Metres, AMITYSHIP was steadied to avoid the riderless CLOVIS which shifted out. Shortly after this, TREASURE HUNT was carried wider by CLOVIS. Prior to straightening, TREMENDOUS PLUS, which for some distance had been travelling keenly, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of OCEAN PRINCE. At the 350 Metres, SICHUAN HERO was bumped by OCEAN PRINCE which shifted to the outside of GALACTIC TACTIC to obtain clear running. Approaching the 300 Metres, C W Wong (GALACTIC TACTIC) dropped his whip. In the Straight, SUPER BABY hung out. Throughout the race, SPIRIT OF LO PAN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the improved performance of second placed GALACTIC TACTIC, Trainer C H Yip said the improvement in the horse’s performance was not expected by the stable and he was not able to offer any explanation other than GALACTIC TACTIC was able to obtain an uncontested lead in today’s race which it meant it was able to run at a tempo to suit. He did say he had initially entered GACTIC TACTIC for the Class 4, 1200 Metres, however, when the horse was drawn as a reserve in that race, he transferred its entry to this race. He was told the Stewards had previously spoken with him regarding inconsistent performances of runners from his stable and he must ensure he does his utmost to have horses trained by him perform consistently. SICHUAN HERO was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. After the race, SICHUAN HERO was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, SICHUAN HERO will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPER BABY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, SUPER BABY was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said there were no significant findings other than the horse had lost its right front plate. OCEAN PRINCE and GALACTIC TACTIC were sent for sampling. <23/2/2009 Additional Veterinary Reports> SUPER BABY, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings other than the horse had lost its right front plate. SUPER BABY was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer P F Yiu this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER BABY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.