08/03/2015  Shatin  Race 3

CULTURAL CITY began awkwardly and lost ground. EN CIVIL shifted in at the start and bumped BORN TO WIN. From a wide barrier, DIAMOND FRIENDS was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After being ridden along in the early stages, FOLLOW THE WIND was steadied and shifted across behind HARBOUR DELIGHT passing the winning post on the first occasion when left racing wide. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, HARBOUR DELIGHT failed to muster speed and approaching the 1200 Metres proved very difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of EXPEDITE for some distance. Passing the 500 Metres, HARBOUR DELIGHT got its head on the side and lay out. Near the 400 Metres, HEALTH WISE was awkwardly placed behind MANIPULATION when racing tight inside DASHING SUPER. CULTURAL CITY was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight. Shortly after entering the Straight, DASHING SUPER got its head on the side and shifted in towards the heels of MANIPULATION which was taken out slightly by CONFUCIUS ELITE, resulting in DASHING SUPER being awkwardly placed outside that horse for a short distance. Over the concluding stages, PRINCE OF SUNSHINE was not able to obtain clear running when held up inside the heels of EN CIVIL and consequently was not able to be tested. Throughout the race, SOUTHERN SPRINGS travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. Also throughout the race, DASHING SUPER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HAPPY MOMENTS, J Moreira stated that although the horse had some excuses today, nonetheless HAPPY MOMENTS was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race as he expected. He said he had to make some use of HAPPY MOMENTS passing the winning post on the first occasion in order to obtain a position closer to the rail as HAPPY MOMENTS was left racing very wide approaching and passing the 1400 Metres. He said nonetheless he was able to obtain a position with cover and HAPPY MOMENTS travelled comfortably throughout the middle stages, however, when placed under pressure, the horse did not finish off the race as he anticipated. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY MOMENTS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HAPPY MOMENTS, a favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY MOMENTS 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 DASHING SUPER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HARBOUR DELIGHT immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, HARBOUR DELIGHT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HAPPY MOMENTS, EXPEDITE and CONFUCIUS ELITE were sent for sampling.