16/03/2014  Shatin  Race 3

As the start was effected, SMART PLANET became fractious and reared, losing a significant amount of ground. Having regard to the amount of ground SMART PLANET lost in this incident, the Stewards ruled that the horse must barrier trial satisfactorily before being allowed to race again. From the outside barrier, HOME JOYFUL HOME was steadied shortly after the start in an attempt to obtain a position with cover. However, HOME JOYFUL HOME proved very difficult to settle in the early stages, got its head up and shifted ground on a number of occasions. Because of this, HOME JOYFUL HOME travelled wide and without cover for the majority of the race. In the early and middle stages, SMART PLANET proved difficult to settle and on a number of occasions was steadied away from the heels of runners in front. After the 1000 Metres, HOW SPEEDY was left racing wide and without cover. DOUBLE DRAGON made the first turn after the 900 Metres awkwardly and got its head up. After the 800 Metres, ROYALE ELEGANCE lost its right front plate. Near the 150 Metres, LEGEND EXPRESS raced in restricted room between AH BO and DOUBLE DRAGON which shifted out. When questioned regarding the performance of ROYALE ELEGANCE, T Berry stated that in what was a moderately run race ROYALE ELEGANCE over-raced for a significant portion of the race and because of this was not able to finish off its race. He said after being crossed by STAR MAJESTIC near the 1200 Metres, ROYALE ELEGANCE proved very difficult to settle and got its head up when having to be checked away from the heels of that horse for some distance. He added making the turn after the 900 Metres ROYALE ELEGANCE got its head on the side and lay out, then continued to lay out for some distance in the middle stages and raced greenly. He said he did note after the race that ROYALE ELEGANCE had lost its right front plate during the race which may have also affected the horse’s ability to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of ROYALE ELEGANCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CIRCUIT FORTUNE and STAR MAJESTIC were sent for sampling.