08/03/2015  Shatin  Race 7

On jumping, MIGHTY EQUUS blundered and then shortly after the start was shifted across behind runners. FLYING CAPTAIN began awkwardly. DEHERE’S THE LOVE began only fairly. Shortly after the start, STARTLING POWER and DEHERE’S THE LOVE bumped. From a wide barrier, TURIN PEARL was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the turn near the 700 Metres, STARTLING POWER commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ABLE WARRIOR. DEHERE’S THE LOVE, which was following STARTLING POWER, shifted out and bumped MASQUERADER. Also making the turn near the 700 Metres, FLYING CAPTAIN hung out and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, FLYING CAPTAIN will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial around a bend. Over the concluding stages, MASQUERADER and KING DERBY were hampered when taken wider by STARTLING POWER (Apprentice K C Ng) which shifted out under pressure. Apprentice Ng was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. When questioned, Apprentice K C Ng (STARTLING POWER) stated that he had to ride his mount along in the early stages to take up a trailing position behind the leaders. He said after having to be ridden along to obtain this position, STARTLING POWER then proved difficult to settle for some distance when the pace of the race steadied making the first turn. He said because of the manner in which the horse over-raced in the middle stages, STARTLING POWER was then not able to finish off its race. A veterinary inspection of STARTLING POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FLYING CAPTAIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DEHERE’S THE LOVE and HIDDEN VALUE were sent for sampling.