The Hong Kong Jockey Club

In accordance with usual practice, after TAKEOVER TARGET arrived in Hong Kong, samples were taken from the horse. Upon analysis, the Racing Laboratory advised that this sample contained 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone hexanoate. Mr J Janiak, the trainer and managing part-owner of the horse, was advised of this finding. Further blood samples were taken from TAKEOVER TARGET on 14 November 2006, 29 November 2006, 5 December 2006 and 8 December 2006. On each occasion, Dr T S M Wan, Head of Racing Laboratory, advised the Stewards these samples upon analysis showed the presence of 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone hexanoate. On each occasion, Mr Janiak was informed of the finding. A further blood sample was taken from TAKEOVER TARGET this morning 10 December 2006 and presented to the Racing Laboratory at about 7:30 am. Dr Wan advised the Stewards at about noon that this sample also contained 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone hexanoate. Dr K L Watkins, Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison advised the Stewards that 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone hexanoate is a prohibited substance in accordance with the Rules of Racing of The Hong Kong Jockey Club. Mr Janiak was advised of the analyst's finding and informed by the Stewards that in accordance with Rule 12(13) the horse would be withdrawn. Accordingly TAKEOVER TARGET was withdrawn from this race at 12:25 pm. An inquiry into the analyst's findings is now adjourned to a date to be fixed. When the gates opened, MEISHO BOWLER was slow to begin, then refused to stride out and as such took no part in the race. Mr T Shirai, trainer of MEISHO BOWLER, was told before the horse will be permitted to race again, it will be required to perform satisfactorily in a starting gate test. Shortly after the start, ABSOLUTE CHAMPION was crowded for room inside SCINTILLATION which in the early stages hung in. Passing the 200 Metres, ABSOLUTE CHAMPION hung in. When questioned, O Doleuze (DOWN TOWN) said it had again today been decided to take DOWN TOWN back from the start due to a wide barrier. He said at its last start down the Straight over 1000 Metres, the horse closed the race off strongly and it was therefore felt appropriate to adopt the same tactics today. He did say should DOWN TOWN draw a more favourable barrier, the intention would be to have the horse ridden more prominently. SUNNY SING, ABSOLUTE CHAMPION and SILENT WITNESS were sent for sampling.