12/10/2014  Shatin  Race 5

TOP ACT, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, began awkwardly and was slow to begin. TELECOM PRINCE was crowded for room on jumping between HAPPY CENTENARY which shifted in and HARBOUR DELIGHT which shifted out abruptly. LUCKY COOKIE was crowded for room on jumping between HEY CHEERS and GIGGLES FOREVER which shifted out. In this incident, LUCKY COOKIE bumped HEY CHEERS which became unbalanced. After the 1200 Metres, SUCCESSFUL LEADER was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 400 Metres, CHINA DELIGHT was steadied out across the heels of HAPPY CENTENARY in order to obtain clear running. For some distance approaching the 300 Metres, TELECOM PRINCE was steadied to avoid the heels of HEY CHEERS which shifted in slightly as it gave ground. The performance of TELECOM PRINCE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TELECOM PRINCE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, C Y Ho (HARBOUR DELIGHT) reported that after the 1000 Metres his mount lay out and then making the turn after the 800 Metres got its head on the side and hung out. He said this made HARBOUR DELIGHT difficult to ride. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HAPPY CENTENARY, G Mosse stated that the horse travelled well in a three wide position with cover behind SUCCESSFUL LEADER. He said however that near the 550 Metres HAPPY CENTENARY became unbalanced after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUCCESSFUL LEADER and consequently he was obliged to shift out away from the heels of that horse. He said when this happened, HAPPY CENTENARY immediately came off the bridle and did not stretch out after this. He added, in his opinion, the horse is one-paced and generally closes off its races, however, having had a stride broken at the 550 Metres did not suit the horse's finishing style. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY CENTENARY immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. The performance of HAPPY CENTENARY, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY CENTENARY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of HEY CHEERS immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, HEY CHEERS will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TOP ACT and GRAND HARBOUR were sent for sampling.