02/02/2014  Shatin  Race 6

After being loaded, CARE FREE ELEGANCE became fractious and broke through the front gates, resulting in its rider, Apprentice K C Ng, being dislodged. CARE FREE ELEGANCE then galloped riderless for some distance before being recaptured. Acting on veterinary advice that CARE FREE ELEGANCE was not suitable to race, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of the horse. Before being allowed to race again, CARE FREE ELEGANCE will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When CARE FREE ELEGANCE was being recaptured, it was noted that whilst parading behind the barriers, COUNTRY CHARM had blood at its left nostril. Acting on veterinary advice that COUNTRY CHARM was not suitable to race, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of the horse. Before being allowed to race again, COUNTRY CHARM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A subsequent endoscopic examination of COUNTRY CHARM found that there was no blood in the horse’s trachea and accordingly it was not deemed to have bled. The Veterinary Officer also reported that an inspection of COUNTRY CHARM after the race revealed an abrasion over the left eye. SOLAR DRAGON, TERRIFIC MASTER and INVESTAR WIN were all slow to begin. From a wide barrier, CULTURAL CITY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. When being shifted across to a position closer to the rail approaching the 1300 Metres, TERRIFIC MASTER was checked when crowded for room between SOLAR DRAGON which shifted out marginally and INVESTAR WIN which shifted in and made contact with the hindquarters of TERRIFIC MASTER. After the 1200 Metres, SOLAR DRAGON commenced to prove very difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of AMAZING ALWAYS for some distance. Making the first turn at the 900 Metres, FLORAL MAN was bumped by SOLAR DRAGON which continued to prove difficult to settle. Also making the first turn at the 900 Metres, SOLAR DRAGON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of AMAZING ALWAYS. Rounding the Home Turn, FLORAL MAN and CULTURAL CITY raced tight as CULTURAL CITY improved into tight running outside SOLAR DRAGON which shifted out at this time into clear running. Approaching the 300 Metres, INVESTAR WIN was awkwardly placed outside the heels of TERRIFIC MASTER which got its head on the side and shifted out. For the majority of the race, SKY FIRE travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of SKY FIRE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SKY FIRE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SKY FIRE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FLORAL MAN, J Moreira stated that the horse became somewhat agitated on the way to the Start and then was not suited by the delay to the start of the race. He said after attempting to obtain a midfield position as instructed, FLORAL MAN appeared to become disinterested in the race after being crossed by LIFE OF BEAUTY approaching the first turn. He said after being bumped by SOLAR DRAGON which shifted out passing the 900 Metres, FLORAL MAN came off the bridle and despite being vigorously ridden along was not able to maintain its position. He said he rode the horse along in an attempt to prevent CULTURAL CITY from shifting out, however, he was unable to do so and FLORAL MAN was taken wider by that horse approaching the Home Turn. He added rounding the Home Turn FLORAL MAN became unbalanced after being bumped by CULTURAL CITY and then despite being placed under pressure in the Straight did not close off the race. Mr C S Shum, the trainer of FLORAL MAN, stated that, in his opinion, the horse’s performance could be attributed to the fact that it had to be unloaded from the barriers due to the delay to the start of the race. He said FLORAL MAN can lose concentration in its races and, in his opinion, this was the most likely reason for the horse’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of FLORAL MAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of FLORAL MAN, a favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FLORAL MAN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FLORAL MAN, OSCAR MIRACLE and AMAZING ALWAYS were sent for sampling.