01/06/2014  Shatin  Race 5

After being loaded, SUPREME PROFIT became fractious and got its head down. Before being allowed to race again, SUPREME PROFIT will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. SUPREME PROFIT was crowded for room at the start between OSCAR MIRACLE and FLYING IBIS which shifted in. After this, SUPREME PROFIT was taken across behind runners in the early stages. VARA PEARL began only fairly. KYNAM was also shifted across behind runners shortly after the start. When being steadied in the early stages, GOLD TALENT got its head up and shifted in, resulting in CAPITAL K being taken in onto BORN TO WIN which became unbalanced. GOLD TALENT then proved difficult to settle for some distance. After the 800 Metres, GOOD FIT was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 300 Metres, VARA PEARL was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BORN TO WIN when being shifted out after having been disappointed for running between that horse and FAY DEEP. Passing the 150 Metres, VARA PEARL became unbalance after being crowded for room between FAY DEEP and GOOD FIT (O Doleuze) which, when laying in, got its head on the side and shifted in further. GOOD FIT continued to lay in for the remainder of the race. O Doleuze was reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to take measures sooner than he did on this occasion to correct his mounts when they are shifting ground. LUCKY WARRIOR lost its left front plate after passing the winning post. Throughout the race, CIRCUIT FORTUNE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding its improved performance, Mr C Fownes, the trainer of BORN TO WIN, stated that although the horse was left racing wide and without cover for the majority of its most recent race, nonetheless it had been disappointing in its previous starts. He said he had been racing BORN TO WIN primarily at Happy Valley of late as he had been of the opinion that the horse may be suited to that circuit. He said when BORN TO WIN disappointed him in its recent races, he elected to return the horse to Sha Tin in the hope that it may appreciate on being on top of the ground. He added BORN TO WIN is not a genuine horse and has raced inconsistently at times in its career. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LUCKY WARRIOR, K Teetan stated that his mount did not stretch out at any stage of the race. He said he had to ride the horse along in the early stages to take up a trailing position behind the leader whereas at its last start, when drawn more widely, LUCKY WARRIOR had been able to obtain a forward position without having too much use made of it. He said LUCKY WARRIOR came under pressure after the 500 Metres to hold its position and then when placed under pressure in the Straight weakened out of the race. He added although at its last start when LUCKY WARRIOR was successful, the track was rated as “Good to Firm”, the same rating as today, he was of the opinion that today’s surface was firmer than its last start and the horse did not appreciate the firm track conditions today. He said when weakening, LUCKY WARRIOR shortened stride which gave him the further belief that the horse was not handling today’s track surface. Mr K W Lui, the trainer of LUCKY WARRIOR, stated that the horse had done well since its last start success and a forward showing was expected. He said although he was disappointed with the performance of LUCKY WARRIOR, he felt that the track at its last start was more to LUCKY WARRIOR’s liking. He added LUCKY WARRIOR had also undergone throat operations which, in his opinion, may have some impact on the horse’s ability to race consistently. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY WARRIOR immediately following the race revealed the horse to be a “roarer” which had previously been reported. The performance of LUCKY WARRIOR, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY WARRIOR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, Z Purton reported that FLYING IBIS did not stretch out at any stage of the race. A veterinary inspection of FLYING IBIS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of VARA PEARL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. 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. VARA PEARL, BORN TO WIN and CAPITAL K were sent for sampling.