22/06/2016  Happy Valley  Race 6

LOTUS STRIKES BACK began only fairly. When being steadied from the outside barrier to shift across behind runners, GENERAL SHERMAN got its head up, resulting in its rider, N Callan, becoming badly unbalanced. Also from wide barriers, AMAZING AGILITY and REDWOOD BABY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the first turn near the 2100 Metres, SEMPITERNAL shifted out, resulting in EASY HEDGE being inconvenienced. Near the 2000 Metres, RENAISSANCE ART was steadied away from the heels of ALLCASH. PO CHING TREASURE travelled wide and without cover until approaching the winning post on the first occasion. After the 1200 Metres, GENERAL SHERMAN got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of RENAISSANCE ART. After the 800 Metres, TOP ACE and HAPPY CONTENDER raced tight. Near the 500 Metres, SEMPITERNAL was checked away from the heels of TOP ACE. SEMPITERNAL was then awkwardly placed behind TOP ACE for some distance after this as that horse gave ground. Shortly after entering the Straight, LOTUS STRIKES BACK shifted out and bumped EASY HEDGE. Passing the 300 Metres, SHARP SAILOR momentarily raced tight inside PO CHING TREASURE which shifted in when giving ground. Near the 75 Metres, AMAZING AGILITY turned its head to the right and attempted to savage SHARP SAILOR. As this was the first occasion on which AMAZING AGILITY had been reported to have acted in this manner, this incident was brought to the attention of Trainer D E Ferraris. The performance of SEMPITERNAL, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SEMPITERNAL 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, K Teetan stated that as TOP ACE was stepping up to the 2200 Metres for the first time tonight, it was decided that the horse should be ridden behind the leaders if possible. He said he was informed that TOP ACE had raced in a prominent position in some of its races over extended distances prior to being imported into Hong Kong. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along in the early stages, however, due to the circumstances of the race was left racing wide and without cover. He added he was then unable to shift in behind another runner and consequently TOP ACE remained racing wide and without cover throughout the race and consequently gave ground in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of TOP ACE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of TOP ACE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TOP ACE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of LOTUS STRIKES BACK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LOTUS STRIKES BACK, RENAISSANCE ART and ALLCASH were sent for sampling.