06/07/2014  Shatin  Race 5

ULTIMATE GLORY, which became fractious in the Parade Ring, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and found suitable to race. CULTURAL CITY began awkwardly, shifted out and made contact with the hindquarters of RIBOT LEGACY, causing both horses to become unbalanced. ULTIMATE GLORY and LOVEY NAUGHTY bumped at the start. Shortly after the start, VERDANE was steadied when crowded for room inside HIDDEN VALUE which shifted in. Despite being vigorously ridden in the early stages, AMAZING ALWAYS failed to muster speed. Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, ULTIMATE GLORY and HIDDEN VALUE raced tight inside CRIMSON HEART which shifted in. CRIMSON HEART, which travelled wide and without cover throughout the race, was then shifted out to relieve the tightening to the runners to its inside. ULTIMATE GLORY had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Near the 350 Metres, AMAZING ALWAYS shifted out and bumped CULTURAL CITY. Approaching and passing the 300 Metres, BRIGHT STAR raced tight inside SPARKLING SWORD. Approaching the 200 Metres, CRIMSON HEART, which was giving ground, was momentarily steadied away from the heels of HIDDEN VALUE which shifted in. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of UNIQUE JOYFUL, D Whyte stated that it had been intended for the horse to be ridden in a position forward of midfield if possible. He said after momentarily racing in restricted room between SPARKLING SWORD and AMAZING ALWAYS shortly after the start, he rode UNIQUE JOYFUL along, however, the horse got its head up and was reluctant to stretch out in the early stages. He said this resulted in UNIQUE JOYFUL racing much further back in the field than had been intended. He added in the middle stages UNIQUE JOYFUL travelled only fairly and he was obliged to ride the horse along from the 500 Metres in an endeavour to improve its position. He said after momentarily being awkwardly positioned inside RIBOT LEGACY in the early part of the Straight, UNIQUE JOYFUL, despite being tested, did not make up any noticeable ground until the final stages when it commenced to finish off the race better. He said over the concluding stages UNIQUE JOYFUL was awkwardly placed inside SPARKLING SWORD. D Whyte stated that UNIQUE JOYFUL, which was having just its third race start today, lacked maturity at this stage of its racing career. A veterinary inspection of UNIQUE JOYFUL immediately following the race revealed the horse to have sustained cuts to the left hind leg and right hind coronet. After the race, T Angland expressed concern regarding the action of HINYUEN PALADIN particularly over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of HINYUEN PALADIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, HINYUEN PALADIN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of CRIMSON HEART immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. UNIQUE JOYFUL, HIDDEN VALUE and VERDANE were sent for sampling. <7/7/2014 Additional Veterinary Report>HINYUEN PALADIN, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. HINYUEN PALADIN was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C H Yip this morning. He said at this time he found the horse to be lame in its left front leg. As previously advised, HINYUEN PALADIN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.