19/01/2014  Shatin  Race 3

LIGHTNING AND GOLD was slow to begin. IT CAN ONLY BE YOU was crowded for room on jumping between HEAMERIC TE SPECSO and BORN TO WIN which shifted out. From wide barriers, FAY DEEP and ISLAND GARDEN were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, SPARKLING SWORD lay out towards the hindquarters of HEAMERIC TE SPECSO. For a short distance after this, SPARKLING SWORD was awkwardly placed inside HEAMERIC TE SPECSO. After the 700 Metres, KING ON EARTH shifted out after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of BORN TO WIN, resulting in ELECTRONIC GOSPEL being taken wider. Passing the 600 Metres, KING ON EARTH was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of BORN TO WIN after attempting to improve between that horse and ELECTRONIC GOSPEL where there was insufficient room. For some distance after the 300 Metres, GRACEFUL KINGDOM was reluctant to shift to the outside of DEMON DEMON. Passing the 100 Metres, DEMON DEMON was checked when crowded for room inside GRACEFUL KINGDOM (N Callan) which, after initially being taken in slightly by BORN TO WIN (W C Marwing), then got its head on the side and shifted in further. Both N Callan and W C Marwing were advised that whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, nonetheless in similar circumstances they would be expected to make every endeavour to ensure their mounts hold a straight course. Approaching the 50 Metres, HEAMERIC TE SPECSO was eased away from the heels of SPARKLING SWORD (U Rispoli) which shifted out to obtain clear running. U Rispoli was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. In the Straight, ELECTRONIC GOSPEL got its head on the side and hung in. Throughout the race, DEMON DEMON travelled wide and without cover. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on FAY DEEP at the request of Trainer P O’Sullivan. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, FAY DEEP will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of DEMON DEMON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GRACEFUL KINGDOM, BORN TO WIN and SPARKLING SWORD were sent for sampling.