12/10/2014  Shatin  Race 4

LUCKY SCEPTER was withdrawn on 10.10.14 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (inappetence) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter AH BO (H W Lai). Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY SCEPTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. AH BO began only fairly. BE THERE AHEAD was severely checked and FOREVER ACCURATE badly crowded for room on jumping between SIR JOHN which shifted out marginally and JACK'S GEM which shifted in abruptly despite the efforts of its rider to prevent JACK'S GEM from shifting ground. Shortly after the start, STAR TRACK was steadied away from the heels of SIR JOHN which shifted in. From the outside barrier, SUPER TALENT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 900 Metres, THUNDER FLYER, which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of REGENCY BABY, shifted out marginally away from the heels of that horse. STAR TRACK (Z Purton), which was following THUNDER FLYER, improved of its own accord into tight running between THUNDER FLYER and CITY POWER. A short distance later, THUNDER FLYER shifted back in marginally, resulting in STAR TRACK shifting in across the rightful running of CITY POWER which was hampered and lost ground. Whilst the Stewards formed the view that there was no carelessness associated with this incident, nonetheless Z Purton was advised to exercise due care when improving into running in future. Both STAR TRACK and THUNDER FLYER were held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 200 Metres, SIR JOHN became unbalanced and was badly hampered when momentarily racing in restricted room inside JOYFUL LUCK (Apprentice K C Ng) which got its head on the side and shifted in marginally away from STAR TRACK. Apprentice Ng was severely reprimanded and advised that in the circumstances he would be expected to make a greater effort to prevent his mount from shifting ground than he did on this occasion. Throughout the race, JACK'S GEM and FOREVER ACCURATE travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of DINING STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. STAR TRACK and THUNDER FLYER were sent for sampling.