28/12/2014  Shatin  Race 3

Prior to the start being released, DUNURE HARBOUR became fractious and turned its head to the left. DUNURE HARBOUR consequently began very awkwardly and lost a considerable amount of ground and finished tailed out. The performance of DUNURE HARBOUR was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DUNURE HARBOUR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MASSIVE MOVE was slow to begin. CASTLE KNIGHT began awkwardly. In the early stages, LEAN JOURNEY was shifted out across behind runners. Approaching the 800 Metres, LEAN JOURNEY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CASTLE KNIGHT when being shifted to the outside of that runner. GLORY HORSIE lost its left hind plate near the 500 Metres. After the 500 Metres, FABULOUS ONE got its head on the side and lay in. Passing the 300 Metres, BULL MARCHE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of EXCITABLE BOY when being shifted to the outside of that runner. For some distance after this, BULL MARCHE was awkwardly placed outside EXCITABLE BOY when racing in restricted room. Near the 250 Metres, LEAN JOURNEY shifted out when being checked away from the heels of DARK CORE (K Teetan) which shifted out abruptly when being ridden out. As the Stewards were satisfied that K Teetan had reacted promptly when DARK CORE shifted ground, no action was taken. Near the 100 Metres, CASTLE KNIGHT raced in restricted room between ACUMEN and INCREDIBLE ACT which shifted out. Close to the finishing line, GLORY HORSIE was steadied when crowded for room between EXCITABLE BOY which shifted in and MASSIVE MOVE (O Doleuze) which shifted out under pressure. O Doleuze was severely reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mounts so as to avoid causing interference to other runners. When questioned, N Rawiller stated that ACUMEN, which was having its first race start today, was reluctant to proceed to the barriers. He said it had been envisaged that, from its wide barrier, ACUMEN would be able to follow the eventual winner DIAMOND MASTER. He said however that in the early stages ACUMEN did not show any speed and, despite being ridden along for the first 200 Metres of the race, ACUMEN lost touch with the majority of the field when out-paced. He added between the 800 Metres and the 600 Metres he attempted to balance ACUMEN up to see if it would be able to travel more comfortably, however, the horse was still not able to go with the speed of the race and got a long way out of its ground. He said after the 600 Metres he commenced to ride ACUMEN along again in an endeavour to have it make up lost ground and it was not until passing the 300 Metres that ACUMEN commenced to respond to his riding and finish off its race. He said prior to the 100 Metres he directed ACUMEN to the outside of DARK CORE which was giving ground, however, ACUMEN was racing greenly and proved reluctant to shift to the outside of that horse and consequently after the 100 Metres he had to shift ACUMEN out abruptly away from the heels of DARK CORE when finishing off the race strongly. He said in the circumstances ACUMEN closed off the race well and for this reason he recommended to connections that they consider stepping the horse up in distance at its next race start. N Rawiller was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ride his mounts in such a manner to ensure that they are not left with too much to do. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BULL MARCHE had bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of INCREDIBLE ACT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DIAMOND MASTER and BULL MARCHE were sent for sampling. <29/12/2014 Additional Veterinary Report>INCREDIBLE ACT, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. INCREDIBLE ACT was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A T Millard this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, INCREDIBLE ACT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.