01/05/2013  Shatin  Race 2

PILLOWIN proved very difficult to load and then became fractious in the barriers. Having in mind PILLOWIN’s prior history in respect of barrier issues, the horse will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial before being allowed to race again. Just prior to the start being effected, SEIZE THE DAY became fractious and as the gates were released bounded in the air and on landing went down behind. This resulted in its rider, Apprentice K C Ng, becoming badly unbalanced and being dislodged. Before being allowed to race again, SEIZE THE DAY will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. Apprentice Ng was subsequently examined by the Club’s medical officers and passed fit to fulfil his remaining riding engagements. MEGA began awkwardly and shifted in across the heels of HAPPY GOAL which itself became unbalanced shortly after the start after bumping with GOLDEN LEGEND. DIAMOND KNIGHT began awkwardly and shortly after the start raced tight between YOUNG HAPPY and SPICY SHRIMP. When SPICY SHRIMP was shifted in to relieve the tightening to DIAMOND KNIGHT, TREASURE MAN, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Near the 600 Metres, GOLDEN LEGEND was steadied away from the heels of DIAMOND KNIGHT which shifted out. YOUNG HAPPY was badly held up for clear running over about the final 400 Metres and passing the 100 Metres was steadied and shifted out when unable to maintain its position between HAPPY GOAL and GOLDEN LEGEND, both of which shifted ground. After this, GOLDEN LEGEND, which lay out, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DIAMOND KNIGHT. MEGA was held up for clear running for some distance near the 200 Metres and shortly after this was shifted to the outside of PILLOWIN into clear running. For the majority of the race, HAPPY GOAL got its head on the side and hung in and for some distance approaching and passing the 400 Metres was awkwardly placed outside the heels of DIAMOND KNIGHT which itself was inclined to get its head on the side and shift out. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BOLD TACK, B Prebble stated that his mount travelled fairly for the first 600 Metres, however, prior to the 400 Metres came under pressure and, in his opinion, the horse’s condition gave out at this time. A veterinary inspection of BOLD TACK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN LEGEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HAPPY GOAL had lost its left front plate. BOLD TACK, CITY OF LIGHTS and BARCELONA TOO were sent for sampling.