01/10/2013  Shatin  Race 2

The start was delayed when LUCKY BONUS’ right hind plate had to be refitted. LUCKY BONUS was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. DISTINCT COMMANDER began awkwardly. SOLDIER was slow to begin. From wide barriers, YEUNG SING and SHANTARAAM were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early stages, CLASSY VICTOR raced greenly and shifted ground on a number of occasions. In the early and middle stages, CROATIA got its head on the side and lay out and then making the Home Turn hung out. Making the first turn near the 900 Metres, LUCKY BONUS commenced to prove very difficult to settle and shifted out when being checked away from the heels of ALL TIMES LUCKY and in doing so bumped CLASSY VICTOR, taking that horse wider. After this, LUCKY BONUS continued to lay out and proved difficult to ride. Also making the first turn near the 900 Metres, WINNING BOY got its head up when travelling keenly. LUCKY GAINS had difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 300 Metres. DISTINCT COMMANDER was unable to obtain clear running over the concluding stages. Close to the finishing line, LA COTE DE BLEU was steadied away from the heels of DEHERE’S THE LOVE. For the majority of the race, DOUBLE DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of VERDANE, C O’Donoghue stated that after being able to obtain a position with cover behind midfield from barrier 12, VERDANE in the run to the first turn had to be pushed along to maintain its position. He said approaching the 800 Metres, he shifted VERDANE out to follow CROATIA in the hope that the horse would then travel better, however, VERDANE, despite being ridden along, did not stretch out and rounding the Home Turn was under significant pressure to maintain its position. He added after being placed under heavy pressure in the early part of the Straight, VERDANE commenced to give ground and near the 100 Metres made a significant abnormal respiratory noise. C O’Donoghue also added that VERDANE coughed on pulling up. A veterinary inspection of VERDANE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of VERDANE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, VERDANE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DEHERE’S THE LOVE, DOUBLE DRAGON and WINNING BOY were sent for sampling.