23/02/2014  Shatin  Race 3

FLYING RED lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and consequently was slow to begin. BRIGHT CONCEPT shifted out at the start and bumped NAUGHTY BABY. From wide barriers, SUGAR CITY, COOL PAL and GO SANDY GO were all taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 900 Metres, JOLLY POSH raced tight outside GLAMOROUS RYDER when awkwardly placed close to the heels of NAUGHTY BABY. After the 600 Metres, ISLAND GARDEN got its head on the side and hung out. Rounding the Home Turn, BRIGHT CONCEPT, which was giving ground rapidly, momentarily raced in restricted room between ELECTRONIC GOSPEL and NAUGHTY BABY. The performance of BRIGHT CONCEPT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BRIGHT CONCEPT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Near the 300 Metres, GLAMOROUS RYDER was steadied when crowded for room between SPLENDID VICTORY and COOL PAL (N Callan) which, after shifting out, was then straightened by its rider. N Callan was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for other runners in similar circumstances. For some distance approaching and passing the 300 Metres, INDUSTRIALIST WAY raced tight between ISLAND GARDEN and FIGHTING BOY which got its head on the side and shifted out. Throughout the race, SPLENDID VICTORY travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. J Moreira (GRAND HARBOUR), the rider of the second placed, was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out all the way to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of NAUGHTY BABY, M Demuro stated that due to the circumstances of the race NAUGHTY BABY was left racing wide from barrier 6 in the early stages and was then left racing without cover after the 700 Metres. He said he rode his mount along rounding the Home Turn and NAUGHTY BABY initially responded satisfactorily, however, came under pressure to maintain its position in the early part of the Straight, got its head on the side and hung in as is usual. He added after the 300 Metres NAUGHTY BABY commenced to weaken out of the race and hung in further due to being tired and passing the 200 Metres bumped the hindquarters of COOL PAL which became unbalanced. He said whilst NAUGHTY BABY was disappointing, there were some contributing factors to its performance. A veterinary inspection of NAUGHTY BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FLYING RED, SUGAR CITY and GRAND HARBOUR were sent for sampling. <24/2/2014 Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that ISLAND GARDEN was found to be lame in its right front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, ISLAND GARDEN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.