22/02/2009  Shatin  Race 6

STAR OF DRAGON, which was very difficult to load, will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial before being allowed to race again. NORTH HILL, ELITE FORTUNE and EXTRA SPECIAL were slow to begin. Shortly after the start, STAR OF DRAGON was crowded for room between HEARTLINE which on jumping shifted in and NAMJONG FIGHTERS which shifted out. As a result of this crowding, HEARTLINE became unbalanced, blundered, shortly afterwards was steadied when crowded for room inside KING ACRYLIC and then for the majority of the race travelled wide and without cover. Making the turn after the 800 Metres, NAMJONG FIGHTERS got its head up, hung out and raced ungenerously. NAMJONG FIGHTERS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of NAMJONG FIGHTERS after the race did not show any significant findings. In the circumstances, the performance of NAMJONG FIGHTERS was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, NAMJONG FIGHTERS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. RARE TREASURE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of RARE TREASURE after the race did not show any significant findings. HEARTLINE and PACKING SUPREME were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that STAR OF DRAGON was making an abnormal breathing noise. He said an endoscopic examination confirmed the horse to be an early “roarer”.