17/05/2014  Shatin  Race 5

I SMELL MONEY shifted in at the start, resulting in PERCY JACKSON being crowded for room in onto AXIOM which became unbalanced after being bumped by PERCY JACKSON. From a wide barrier, CARTOON FAY FAY was taken across behind runners in the early stages. ALWAYS SOMETHING lay out in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 100 Metres, AXIOM and HARBOUR MASTER bumped and approaching the 50 Metres AXIOM again shifted out and inconvenienced HARBOUR MASTER. The performance of PERFECT JOY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT JOY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, Z Purton stated that he had ridded CHAMPAGNE DAYS in both of its trials in the lead up to today 's race and in these trials the horse had performed adequately, however it had not been asked for an effort. He said in today 's race after shifting CHAMPAGNE DAYS across behind runners in the early stages, he had to ride the horse along for some distance after passing the winning post on the first occasion as it was much further out of its ground than expected. He said after the 1200 Metres he was taken wider by VANILLA, however, CHAMPAGNE DAYS at this time was not travelling well. He said the horse came under heavy pressure after the 600 Metres and he was unable to improve when other runners were commencing to go forward. He added rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight CHAMPAGNE DAYS gave ground noticeably and, in his opinion, the horse appeared to him to be disinterested in the race. A veterinary inspection of CHAMPAGNE DAYS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CHAMPAGNE DAYS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CHAMPAGNE DAYS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of OLE OLE and PERCY JACKSON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HARBOUR MASTER, VANILLA and AXIOM were sent for sampling.