06/09/2015  Shatin  Race 1

EVERYONE’S CHOICE was withdrawn on 5.9.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (capped left fore elbow). Before being allowed to race again, EVERYONE’S CHOICE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TO-KALON, which was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin. DANEWIN TIGER was crowded for room on jumping between GOLDEN CHOICE and BERNARD’S CHOICE which shifted out. After being bumped by DANEWIN TIGER, GOLDEN CHOICE became unbalanced and shifted out, resulting in HAPPY GOAL, which began only fairly, having to be steadied away from the heels of that horse. After this, despite being ridden along, HAPPY GOAL failed to muster speed. Shortly after the start, BORNFREE, which was being ridden along, was crowded for room between KING ON EARTH and FOREVER FUN which was taken out by HELEN’S CHOICE. From the outside barrier, MAGICAL BEAM was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. At the 900 Metres, GRASSLAND DRAGON was left racing wide and without cover. GOLDEN CHOICE had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 200 Metres, KING ON EARTH got its head on the side and hung in under pressure. BERNARD’S CHOICE was unable to obtain clear running until after the 200 Metres. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ELEGANT FRAMES, J Moreira stated that his mount travelled satisfactorily in the early and middle stages despite becoming unbalanced near the 900 Metres when bumped by GRASSLAND DRAGON. He said when racing tight between horses after the 600 Metres, ELEGANT FRAMES was reluctant to maintain its position and he was obliged to ride his mount along at this time to prevent it losing ground. He said ELEGANT FRAMES was under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn and despite being ridden out did not respond and was very disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race in the Straight. Mr T K Ng, the trainer of ELEGANT FRAMES, stated that the horse had not required a barrier trial in the lead up to today’s race as it had raced all the way to the end of the most recent season. He said he was happy with the horse’s fitness leading into today’s race and that it had worked well. He said after being able to obtain a good position throughout the race, he was disappointed with the manner in which the horse came under pressure before the Home Turn and then did not respond to riding in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of ELEGANT FRAMES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of ELEGANT FRAMES was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ELEGANT FRAMES will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ELEGANT FRAMES, MAGICAL BEAM and HELEN’S CHOICE were sent for sampling.