11/06/2014  Shatin  Race 6

TURIN PEARL began awkwardly and in doing so shifted out and made heavy contact with the hindquarters of MASTER SOMMELIER which became unbalanced. RUGBY AMBASSADOR and CLEVER BEAVER were slow to begin. From a wide barrier, SMART FORWARD was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Passing the 1000 Metres, GREAT RUN got its head up when proving difficult to settle. Making the first turn near the 900 Metres and again near the 800 Metres, FUN TAPESTRY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MERIDIAN TREASURE. Making the turn after the 900 Metres and particularly rounding the Home Turn, MASTER SOMMELIER got its head on the side and hung out, resulting in BOTH SURE being taken wider. Approaching the 600 Metres, KIROV was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GREAT RUN. Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, SCIMITAR got its head on the side and lay out. For some distance after the 400 Metres, GREAT RUN was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SCIMITAR which continued to lay out under pressure, resulting in GREAT RUN being steadied and shifted to the inside of the heels of SCIMITAR near the 250 Metres to obtain clear running. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, SMART FORWARD was held up for clear running behind BOTH SURE and inside ART OF SUCCESS. Near the 150 Metres, NEW DEERFIELD was shifted to the outside of FUN TAPESTRY to obtain clear running. For the majority of the race, ART OF SUCCESS travelled wide and without cover. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of C Reith (ART OF SUCCESS), 6th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. A veterinary inspection of SMART FORWARD and SCIMITAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FASHION MAESTRO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of FASHION MAESTRO, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FASHION MAESTRO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MASTER SOMMELIER and FUN TAPESTRY were sent for sampling.