28/12/2014  Shatin  Race 1

As K C Leung was overweight, permission was granted for H W Lai to be substituted as the rider of AMERICAN FAME.  K C Leung was fined the sum of $5,000. On arrival at the Start, N Rawiller, the rider of GO SANDY GO, expressed concern regarding the horse’s action. GO SANDY GO was examined by the Veterinary Surgeon who, after the necessary consultations, found the horse to be suitable to race, HIGH SPEED METRO began awkwardly and lost ground. SMART PLANET, which was leaning on the inside of its gate, was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, BLACK STAR was steadied away from the heels of EVERYONE’S CHOICE which got its head on the side and shifted out. Also shortly after the start, FLUKE and CROATIA were crowded for room between LUCKY BOLE and FORTUNE BRAVO which shifted in. After this, FLUKE and CROATIA were shifted across behind runners. From the outside barrier, GO SANDY GO was also shifted across behind runners shortly after the start. PERFECT TRIUMPH was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. At the 100 Metres, GO SANDY GO was steadied away from the heels of PERFECT TRIUMPH (W M Lai) which shifted in. In this incident, GO SANDY GO shifted in, resulting in LUCKY BOLE being crowded for room. W M Lai was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to keep his mounts on a straight course in future. Close to the finishing line, GO SANDY GO was shifted out abruptly away from the heels of PERFECT TRIUMPH which again shifted in. W M Lai was also reprimanded for this incident. Because of this, GO SANDY GO was not able to be properly ridden out all the way to the end of the race. In the Straight, EVERYONE’S CHOICE got its head on the side and shifted out under pressure and near the 50 Metres was awkwardly placed inside the heels of GLORIOUS AVENUE. Throughout the race, TAI PO FORTUNE travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of SMART PLANET immediately following the race found the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SMART PLANET will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of FIERY PATROL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CROATIA and GLORIOUS AVENUE were sent for sampling.