15/06/2014  Shatin  Race 3

HEAR THE ROAR was withdrawn on 14.6.14 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (cut to both front legs) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter NIGHTLIGN (H Bowman). Before being allowed to race again, HEAR THE ROAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Shortly after the start, FLYING KEEPER became badly unbalanced when bumped by JOYFUL LUCK which shifted out abruptly after being bumped by AMERICAN FAME when that horse was taken out by DIAMOND START which began awkwardly. From wide barriers, JUST GOOD and DELIGHT FORTUNE were taken across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1100 Metres, DELIGHT FORTUNE was shifted out away from the heels of FLYING KEEPER which shifted ground. Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, GOOD LUCK WIN commenced to prove difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of NIGHTLIGN. Also making the turn after the 900 Metres, JOYFUL LICK proved difficult to settle and got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of AMERICAN FAME which was awkwardly placed behind NINE DRAGONS. JOYFUL LUCK lost its left hind plate near the 600 Metres. Approaching the 300 Metres, AMERICAN FAME, which was commencing to give ground, was crowded for room between GOOD LUCK WIN and JOYFUL LUCK, both of which shifted ground. Near the 250 Metres, JOYFUL LUCK got its head on the side and shifted in, resulting in GOOD LUCK WIN racing in restricted room outside NINE DRAGONS. DELIGHT FORTUNE, which was following NINE DRAGONS, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. When questioned, T Berry stated that the connections of WINE LOVERS were disappointed that in recent starts the horse had been getting too far out of its ground in the early stages and therefore having too much to do later in the race. He said he was therefore asked today to try and have the horse obtain a better position and hopefully in advance of midfield. He said WINE LOVERS began well and the pace of the race in the early stages and the make-up of the field resulted in WINE LOVERS having to settle more forward than was hoped. He said given the horse’s disappointing performance, he suggested to the connections that they consider stepping WINE LOVERS up in distance and riding the horse more conservatively than was the case today in the hope that it can close off the race. He added he was of the opinion that stepping the horse up in distance would assist WINE LOVERS in being able to finish off the race strongly. A veterinary inspection of WINE LOVERS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that JOYFUL LUCK had sustained minor wounds to the right front and left hind legs and that TIME WINNER was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, TIME WINNER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JOYFUL LUCK, NIGHTLIGN and GOOD LUCK WIN were sent for sampling.