08/02/2014  Shatin  Race 7

SKY MASCOT, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 6.2.14 by order of the Stewards (stable transfer). GLORIOUS AVENUE began very awkwardly and then despite the efforts of its rider, Apprentice K C Ng, continued to shift out abruptly towards the outside fence and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, GLORIOUS AVENUE will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. Passing the 600 Metres, ATACX was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPINNING DANCER. For the majority of the race, TURIN PEARL and SPINNING DANCER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ATACX, N Callan stated that the horse normally begins well and races keenly in the early stages. He said today however that ATACX began awkwardly, was bumped by MASTER KOCHANWONG which shifted out and then despite being ridden along in the early stages was slow to muster speed. He said ATACX did not travel comfortably at any stage of the race and was always off the bridle. He added after giving a limited response in the early part of the Straight, ATACX was disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding. He said he had ridden ATACX in a piece of work in the lead up to today’s race and that work, in his opinion, was good. A veterinary inspection of ATACX immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of TURIN PEARL immediately following the race revealed the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, TURIN PEARL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DEHERE’S THE LOVE and GREEN ZONE were sent for sampling.