14/11/2015  Shatin  Race 3

The start was delayed when SUCCESSFUL LEADER proved difficult to lead up to the barriers. LOYAL CRAFTSMAN began only fairly. From wide barriers, HIGH SPEED METRO and TRIPLE KING were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, KEEN TACTICS and CASA JUNIOR raced tight between VITAL PRINCE and ENJOY THE GAME which was being ridden along in an attempt to obtain a forward position. A short distance after this, ENJOY THE GAME, which continued to be ridden along, got its head up and lay in away from KEEN TACTICS, resulting in SUCCESSFUL LEADER momentarily racing in restricted room outside GLAMOROUS RYDER. After the 1600 Metres, HIGH SPEED METRO got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of WINSOME SMILE. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, KEEN TACTICS momentarily raced tight inside CASA JUNIOR which lay in. Approaching the 800 Metres, SMART GUY was steadied when racing tight inside WINSOME SMILE. Near the 650 Metres, SUCCESSFUL LEADER became unbalanced after being bumped by ENJOY THE GAME which shifted out when being ridden along. Near the 100 Metres, HIGH SPEED METRO was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of SMART GUY which shifted in under pressure. TRIPLE KING, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence. Throughout the race, VITAL PRINCE travelled wide and without cover. The performance of CASA JUNIOR, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CASA JUNIOR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, N Rawiller stated that as he had been instructed to lead on CHOICE EXCHEQUER, he rode his mount along in the early stages and was able to cross runners to his inside easily and obtain the lead shortly after passing the winning post on the first occasion. He said on reaching the rail, he immediately commenced to steady CHOICE EXCHEQUER. He said whilst CHOICE EXCHEQUER had established a margin over the remainder of the field, the horse initially wanted to travel keenly, however, after entering the Back Straight he was able to settle it and dictate the terms of the race in sectionals which he believed would afford the horse the best opportunity to finish off the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SUCCESSFUL LEADER, N Callan stated that after parading to the Start with the lead pony, SUCCESSFUL LEADER became fractious and got away from the lead pony and then proved very difficult to lead up to the Start. He said this resulted in him having to dismount SUCCESSFUL LEADER on a number of occasions as he felt that the horse may rear up if he had remained mounted. He said after eventually being able to be led to the Start, SUCCESSFUL LEADER travelled satisfactorily in the early stages of the race, however, came off the bridle after the 900 Metres. He added at its most recent start the horse also came off the bridle early in the race, however, stayed on well to the line, but today the horse did not close off as it did last start and was disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of SUCCESSFUL LEADER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUCCESSFUL LEADER was considered unacceptable and that horse must barrier trial satisfactorily and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before its next race start and due to being difficult to lead up to the Start will be required to arrive at the barriers in that barrier trial in a timely manner. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HIGH SPEED METRO, Z Purton stated that the race did not suit HIGH SPEED METRO as it was run at a good tempo. He said after the 900 Metres he had to niggle at HIGH SPEED METRO in order to improve its position which was in contrast to its most recent start when the horse travelled up into the race nicely. He said he had to continually ride HIGH SPEED METRO along prior to the Home Turn and in the Straight, however, the horse did not finish off the race as it had at its most recent starts when ridden by him. A veterinary inspection of HIGH SPEED METRO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HIGH SPEED METRO, a winner of its most recent start, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HIGH SPEED METRO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GLAMOROUS RYDER and SUPER STRIKE were sent for sampling. <16/11/2015 Additional Veterinary Report>HIGH SPEED METRO, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. HIGH SPEED METRO was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer S Woods yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. As previously advised, HIGH SPEED METRO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.