01/10/2014  Shatin  Race 5

CIRCUIT FORTUNE shifted in at the start and bumped COSTA DEL SOL. Near the 850 Metres, COSTA DEL SOL was momentarily crowded for room inside COLUMBUS LINE which was taken in by LUCKY DAY (J Moreira) which was then shifted out to relieve the tightening to its inside. Then passing the 800 Metres, COSTA DEL SOL was checked and lost ground when again crowded inside COLUMBUS LINE which was racing tight inside LUCKY DAY. As the Stewards were unable to satisfy themselves to the requisite degree that the incident resulted directly from a movement in from LUCKY DAY rather than that of COLUMBUS LINE, no further action was taken other than J Moreira was severely reprimanded and told to ensure that, wherever possible, he leaves comfortable racing room for runners on his inside. Near the 200 Metres, COLUMBUS LINE was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of LUCKY DAY. Close to the finishing line, COLUMBUS LINE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY DAY. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of COSTA DEL SOL, Z Purton stated that after striking interference passing the 800 Metres COSTA DEL SOL was able to get balanced and after this travelled well. He said rounding the Home Turn he felt as though COSTA DEL SOL was going to finish off the race well and at this time he angled to the outside of LUCKY DAY into clear running. He said when he did this, COSTA DEL SOL and JADE PIPPO, which shifted in slightly, bumped, causing COSTA DEL SOL to be momentarily unbalanced. He added after this COSTA DEL SOL did not quicken and was most disappointing in its failure to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of COSTA DEL SOL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on CIRCUIT FORTUNE at the request of Trainer K L Man. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, CIRCUIT FORTUNE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of ELITE SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. COSTA DEL SOL, HOW SPEEDY and LUCKY DAY were sent for sampling.