18/01/2015  Shatin  Race 5

GOLD TALENT proved difficult to load. Before being allowed to race again, GOLD TALENT will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. As the start was effected, GIGGLES FOREVER lifted its front feet in the air and was slow to begin. GIGGLES FOREVER was then shifted across behind runners. HEALTH WISE began awkwardly. FORTUNE TERRITORY, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, began awkwardly and lost ground. Shortly after the start, STREET CAT momentarily raced in restricted room between KING OF PATCH and GLORIOUS RYDER which shifted in. Approaching the 1300 Metres, BEAR-POP got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SERGEANT TITANIUM. After the 1200 Metres, KING OF PATCH and HEALTH WISE raced tight for some distance as HEALTH WISE attempted to shift in. After the 400 Metres, HEALTH WISE shifted in and bumped WINNING PREMIUM which became unbalanced. Passing the 300 Metres, SUPREME PROFIT was steadied when crowded for room between BEAR-POP and GOLD TALENT (H W Lai) which, after being held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight, was shifted out in an attempt to obtain a run before being directed back in to relieve the tightening to SUPREME PROFIT. H W Lai was advised to exercise more care in future. In the Straight, SERGEANT TITANIUM got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. Throughout the race, WINNING PREMIUM travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. H W Lai, the rider of the 6th placed, GOLD TALENT, explained that over the concluding stages his mount was racing in restricted room between BORN TO WIN and LUCKY DAN which had been shifting in. He said because of this he was not able to properly test GOLD TALENT over the concluding stages. H W Lai was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted that he was awkwardly placed inside the heels of LUCKY DAN, nonetheless he was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out right to the end of the race where possible. When questioned, O Doleuze (HEALTH WISE) stated that as horses ridden back in the field did not appear to be favoured in earlier races conducted on the programme, he had been asked to ride HEALTH WISE in about a midfield position with cover if possible. He said it had been felt that carrying top weight, HEALTH WISE would have too much to do if dropped out to the rear of the field and therefore it was hoped that the horse would be able to be slightly closer but be able to obtain cover. He said, from barrier 10, due to the tempo of the race, HEALTH WISE was left racing wide and without cover throughout the race and gave ground in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of HEALTH WISE immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, HEALTH WISE will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of WINNING PREMIUM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SERGEANT TITANIUM and SUPREME PROFIT were sent for sampling.