08/03/2015  Shatin  Race 1

HAPPILY TIME began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of COPY STAR. ZERO ENERGY ACT began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped CAPTAIN AMERICA. After this, ZERO ENERGY ACT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From a wide barrier, HEAR THE ROAR was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, GOOD THINKER failed to muster speed. Approaching the 1400 Metres, LA COTE DE BLEU was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PERFECT TRIUMPH. In the early stages, LUCKY BOLE was left racing very wide and without cover and approaching the 1200 Metres was allowed to improve its position into the lead. Approaching the 1200 Metres, SOUTHCHINA COMMAND was bumped on a number of occasions by SLEDGE HAMMER which, when racing fiercely, was inclined to hang out. After the 1200 Metres, COPY STAR travelled keenly. Near the 200 Metres, LA COTE DE BLEU (M Chadwick) got its head on the side and was awkwardly placed behind HAPPILY TIME. LA COTE DE BLEU continued to hang out and near the 100 Metres made contact with the hindquarters of CROATIA which became unbalanced. LA COTE DE BLEU was then awkwardly placed inside the heels of CROATIA over the concluding stages. After the race, M Chadwick stated that the performance of LA COTE DE BLEU could be attributed to the fact that he was unable to fully test the horse due to its racing manners. A veterinary inspection of LA COTE DE BLEU immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Passing the 200 Metres, HEAR THE ROAR lost its left front plate. The performances of GOOD THINKER and SOUTHCHINA COMMAND, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GOOD THINKER and SOUTHCHINA COMMAND will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on COPY STAR at the request of Trainer A Lee. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of COPY STAR, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again COPY STAR 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 SOUTHCHINA COMMAND and MY CUP OVERFLOWS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LA COTE DE BLEU, SLEDGE HAMMER and LUCKY BOLE were sent for sampling. <9/3/2015 Additional Veterinary Report>SOUTHCHINA COMMAND, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. SOUTHCHINA COMMAND was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C Fownes this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right hind leg. As previously advised, SOUTHCHINA COMMAND will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.