06/10/2013  Shatin  Race 3

DIAMOND START, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 3.10.13 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fever). Before being allowed to race again, DIAMOND START will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FRIENDS OF YAN OI began only fairly. MEGA began very awkwardly and got its head up on a number of occasions shortly after the start. Then in the early and middle stages, MEGA raced ungenerously. SPICY SHRIMP and DIAMOND KNIGHT were crowded for room at the start between COSMO ONE and HAPPY GOAL which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. After this, DIAMOND KNIGHT was taken across behind runners. From the outside barrier, SPECTACULAR AWARD was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. At the 700 Metres, GREAT PEGASUS commenced to over-race and shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of HAPPY GOAL, resulting in COSMO ONE being taken wider and without cover. Making the turns, CALIFORNIA GIRL got its head on the side and hung out and rounding the Home Turn was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SOLAR DRAGON. Then in the early part of the Straight, CALIFORNIA GIRL again got its head on the side and hung out. BERNARD’S CHOICE got its head on the side approaching the 500 Metres when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GORGEOUS LIFE. Both GOOD TIMES ROLL and GORGEOUS LIFE had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. BERNARD’S CHOICE was unable to obtain clear running in the early part of the Straight and passing the 300 Metres bumped GORGEOUS LIFE when shifting to the outside of HAPPY GOAL in an endeavour to obtain clear running. After the 200 Metres, GORGEOUS LIFE was steadied away from the heels of FRIENDS OF YAN OI (O Doleuze) which shifted in. O Doleuze was advised to exercise more care in future. In this incident, GORGEOUS LIFE bumped the hindquarters of BERNARD’S CHOICE, causing both those horses to become unbalanced. Also after the 200 Metres, after racing tight between SPICY SHRIMP and COSMO ONE, DIAMOND KNIGHT was disappointed for running between SPICY SHRIMP and COSMO ONE which was taken out slightly by MEGA. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of POSITIVE ENERGY, Apprentice C Y Lui stated that after being loaded POSITIVE ENERGY became fractious and lunged at the front gates. He said when the start was effected, POSITIVE ENERGY began well and he rode his mount along into a forward position in the early stages as instructed. He said at times during the first half of the race POSITIVE ENERGY travelled keenly until he was able to find the lead on the rail passing the 700 Metres. He added after this POSITIVE ENERGY travelled more kindly, however, came under pressure in the early part of the Straight and then was most disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. Trainer P F Yiu stated that POSITIVE ENERGY had done well since its first up run at Sha Tin and a forward showing was expected today. He said the only explanation he could provide for the disappointing performance of the horse was that it had travelled too keenly and consequently was not able to quicken in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of POSITIVE ENERGY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of POSITIVE ENERGY, a favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, POSITIVE ENERGY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. POSITIVE ENERGY, GREAT PEGASUS and FRIENDS OF YAN OI were sent for sampling.