01/01/2013  Shatin  Race 3

Shortly after the start, APPROVE stumbled after shifting out and bumping EMPIRE CITY. EMPIRE CITY, from a wide barrier, was then taken across behind runners. After the 1200 Metres, WINNING BOY got it head up, commenced to race ungenerously and shifted in across the heels of APPROVE. After this, WINNING BOY continued to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of APPROVE. Near the 1100 Metres, AFRICA LIGHT, which was racing to the inside of WINNING BOY, was momentarily crowded for room when WINNING BOY shifted ground when racing ungenerously. Near the 100 Metres, CLEMENT SPIRIT was shifted to the outside of the heels of WINNING BOY after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. Throughout the race, APPROVE travelled wide and without cover. The performance of PROSPEROUS WIN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PROSPEROUS WIN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SWEET CORNER, G Mossé stated that, from barrier 1, he was able to have a good run throughout the race albeit he had to ask SWEET CORNER for an effort in the early stages in order to obtain a forward position. He said SWEET CORNER came under pressure rounding the Home Turn and then was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of SWEET CORNER after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, B Prebble reported that THE ONLY KID was reluctant to stretch out during the race. A veterinary inspection of THE ONLY KID after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that AFRICA LIGHT had sustained cuts to the left hock and left hind coronet. MARK TWO and FOREVER AHEAD were sent for sampling.