03/05/2015  Shatin  Race 6

BEYOND FANTASY lost ground when crowded for room on jumping between SUPER SILKS and VICTORY BOYS which got its head on the side and shifted out despite the efforts of its rider. From wide barriers, BEST FIGHTER and NATURAL FRIENDSHIP were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1200 Metres, THUNDERSTROKE was taken wider by CHARTER VICTORIA which shifted out. Also approaching the 1200 Metres SUMARAND DRAGON lost its left hind plate. Near the 900 Metres, VICTORY BOYS was steadied away from the heels of CHARTER VICTORIA which shifted in. Near the 600 Metres and again approaching the 500 Metres, SUMARAND DRAGON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MASTER VIKING. Then at the entrance to the Straight, SUMARAND DRAGON and VICTORY BOYS bumped as SUMARAND DRAGON shifted to the outside of MASTER VIKING into clear running. Approaching the 400 Metres, BEAR-POP and SUPER SILKS raced tight as BEAR-POP shifted out into clear running. JOLLY SPRING was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and approaching the 300 Metres improved into tight running between MASTER VIKING and SUMARAND DRAGON, resulting in JOLLY SPRING and SUMARAND DRAGON bumping. Over the final 100 Metres, VICTORY BOYS got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. When questioned, Apprentice C Y Lui stated that he had been instructed to lead on CHARTER VICTORIA which is usual. He said despite being aggressively ridden along the Back Straight, CHARTER VICTORIA did not show sufficient speed to be able to clear runners to its inside. He said he was then obliged to race wide and without cover throughout the race and in the Straight the horse weakened badly. A veterinary inspection of CHARTER VICTORIA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CHARTER VICTORIA, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CHARTER VICTORIA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WINNER ST PAUL’S, Z Purton stated that it had been intended for the horse to be ridden with cover if possible, however, due to the circumstances of the race he was unable to position WINNER ST PAUL’S behind MASTER VIKING in the early stages. He said rather than be left racing wide and without cover, he rode WINNER ST PAUL’S along to clear runners to his inside which resulted in it having to assume the lead after the 800 Metres. He said after having to make use of WINNER ST PAUL’S to obtain the lead, the horse then travelled only fairly and after being placed under pressure shortly after entering the Straight, WINNER ST PAUL’S was particularly disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race. He added whilst WINNER ST PAUL’S was disappointing, the horse is still immature. A veterinary inspection of WINNER ST PAUL’S immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of WINNER ST PAUL’S was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WINNER ST PAUL’S 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, the Veterinary Officer reported that VICTORY BOYS was found to be displaying heat stress and that SUMARAND DRAGON had sustained a wound to its left hind fetlock. Before being allowed to race again, VICTORY BOYS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MASTER VIKING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MASTER VIKING, BEAR-POP and UNIQUE AWESOME were sent for sampling.