09/11/2014  Shatin  Race 6

After arriving at the Start, the Veterinary Officer noted that SECRET COMMAND had a small nasal discharge at its left nostril but was not coughing. After conferring with J Moreira, the rider of SECRET COMMAND, the horse was found suitable to race. STAR TRACK began only fairly. GOODHEART SUCCESS was crowded for room on jumping between KING’S STEED and HAPPY PLACE which shifted out. From a wide barrier, TRAVEL RENYI was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1000 Metres, ATACX was hampered by HAPPY PLACE which got its head up and shifted in away from SECRET COMMAND. TRAVEL RENYI, which was following ATACX, was also hampered in consequence. HAPPY PLACE continued to race ungenerously for some distance after this incident. At the 400 Metres, POPPING CANDY was shifted to the inside of FINE ROCK to obtain clear running. For some distance passing the 400 Metres, TRAVEL RENYI got its head on the side, hung in and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SUPREME FALCON. Then passing the 100 Metres, TRAVEL RENYI again shifted in under pressure. In the early part of the Straight, FINE ROCK got its head on the side, lay out and shifted ground on a number of occasions, resulting in LET ME DO being inconvenienced approaching the 250 Metres. Passing the 200 Metres, LET ME DO was checked when crowded for room between CLEVER BEAVER which shifted in and FINE ROCK (C Y Ho) which shifted out abruptly when being ridden out. C Y Ho then corrected FINE ROCK and shifted that horse back in to relieve the tightening to LET ME DO. After this, FINE ROCK continued to race with its head on the side. C Y Ho was reprimanded and advised that whilst FINE ROCK was proving difficult to ride due to its tendency to lay out, nonetheless in similar circumstances he would be expected to make every endeavour to ensure that his mounts do not shift ground and cause interference. Near the 150 Metres, STAR TRACK shifted in under pressure. Passing the 150 Metres, HAPPY PLACE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of CLEVER BEAVER. For the majority of the race, SUPREME FALCON travelled wide and without cover. After the race, an endoscopic examination of SECRET COMMAND performed by the Veterinary Surgeon at the request of Trainer A T Millard did not reveal any significant findings. STAR TRACK and POPPING CANDY were sent for sampling.