14/09/2014  Shatin  Race 5

As the start was effected, INCREDIBLE FELLOW lifted its front feet off the ground and began only fairly. DARK CORE began awkwardly and shortly after the start bumped REAL FIT after being taken out by VICTORY GENERAL. Near the 750 Metres, MELLIFLUENT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLASHING GUY. Passing the 600 Metres, SIR JOHN was momentarily crowded for room outside FLASHING GUY. ORIENTAL PROSPER lost its right front plate near the 500 Metres. Near the 500 Metres, after initially being directed in by HIGHLAND DRAGON which shifted in away from the heels of FLASHING GUY, REAL FIT (Apprentice K C Ng) blundered after striking the heels of DARK CORE which at that time was racing tight outside GALLANT ROCK which shifted marginally. In this incident, Apprentice Ng lost the use of his right iron which he was unable to regain for the remainder of the race, resulting in him being placed at a significant disadvantage in riding out REAL FIT. Also near the 500 Metres, HAYHAY momentarily raced in restricted room between OCEAN ROAR and INCREDIBLE FELLOW which shifted out. Passing the 400 Metres, REAL FIT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of OCEAN ROAR. Near the 250 Metres, DARK CORE was steadied when crowded for room between REAL FIT which shifted in and ORIENTAL PROSPER which shifted out. As the Stewards were of the opinion that there was no rider error involved with this incident, no further action was taken. Near the 50 Metres, SENSATION was shifted in abruptly away from the heels of INCREDIBLE FELLOW. After the race, J Moreira reported that although DARK CORE was crowded for room near the 250 Metres, the horse was nonetheless disappointing in the manner in which it failed to respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of DARK CORE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SENSATION and MELLIFLUENT were sent for sampling.