28/12/2014  Shatin  Race 8

NATURAL FRIENDSHIP began awkwardly. FOODIE was crowded for room on jumping between OSCAR MIRACLE and GREAT CHARM which, after beginning awkwardly, shifted in away from WAH MAY BABY. Shortly after the start, NUMERO UNO and HARD BALL GET bumped. From a wide barrier, BAAB AL NASR was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1100 Metres, POPPING CANDY was momentarily awkwardly placed inside HARD BALL GET. In the early and middle stages, NATURAL FRIENDSHIP raced greenly and was reluctant to maintain its position. Near the 50 Metres, FLYING MOOCHI momentarily raced tight inside NUMERO UNO. In the Straight, GREAT CHARM got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. The performance of OLE OLE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, OLE OLE 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 GREAT CHARM immediately following the race revealed the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, GREAT CHARM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Stewards commenced an inquiry into Apprentice C Y Lui’s riding of NUMERO UNO After taking evidence from Apprentice Lui, Mr P F Yiu, Apprentice Lui’s allocated trainer, and Mr T P Yung, the trainer of NUMERO UNO, the Stewards adjourned the matter until a date to be fixed. A veterinary inspection POPPING CANDY and WAH MAY BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ULTIMATE GLORY, RACING HERO and BAAB AL NASR were sent for sampling.