15/03/2015  Shatin  Race 3

ROYALE ELEGANCE began only fairly. JOYFUL MOMENTS began awkwardly. Near the 1150 Metres, G-ONE LEADER got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of COLLAGEN which shifted out after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of TEN FLAMES. COLLAGEN continued to be awkwardly placed behind TEN FLAMES and near the 950 Metres was steadied away from the heels of that horse. G-ONE LEADER, which was following and also proving difficult to settle, was hampered in consequence. JOYFUL MOMENTS made the turn after the 900 Metres awkwardly when racing close to the heels of YOUNG RANGER. Shortly after entering the Straight, G-ONE LEADER shifted in and bumped ROYALE ELEGANCE, causing both horses to become unbalanced. Approaching the 300 Metres, ROYALE ELEGANCE shifted out to improve and bumped G-ONE LEADER on two occasions. After the 200 Metres, G-ONE LEADER and YOUNG RANGER raced tight. Near the 100 Metres, TEN FLAMES was crowded for room between COLLAGEN which shifted in marginally and JADE PIPPO (Apprentice H N Wong) which shifted out under pressure. Apprentice Wong was shown the video of this incident and advised to ensure that he is alert to his mounts shifting ground in similar circumstances. Throughout the race, BOLD STITCH travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice C Y Lui stated that it had been intended for PLENTY OF SPEED to be ridden in a forward position as it was at its last start. He said in the barriers PLENTY OF SPEED became fractious after BEAR RAPPER, which had drawn to its inside, moved in the gates on a number of occasions. He said PLENTY OF SPEED then began awkwardly and, despite being ridden along in the early stages, failed to muster speed and consequently raced much further back in the field than had been intended. He added PLENTY OF SPEED did not travel at any stage after this and did not close off the race when placed under pressure in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of PLENTY OF SPEED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BEAR RAPPER immediately following the race revealed the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, BEAR RAPPER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BEAR RAPPER, ALL MY GAIN and JOYFUL MOMENTS were sent for sampling.