09/05/2015  Shatin  Race 3

HOXO was slow to begin and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of HEY PRANCER which was taken in by CONFUCIUS SPIRIT. SUM WIN DRAGON began only fairly. AZTEC EMPIRE and PLENTY OF SPEED bumped at the start. From the outside barrier, HELLO KIMBERLEY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1200 Metres, AZTEC EMPIRE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GLACIER BLUE. Near the 1050 Metres, CONFUCIUS SPIRIT was crowded for room between NEXT JOURNEY and PENNY LANE (N Rawiller) which shifted in before being shifted out to relieve the tightening to CONFUCIUS SPIRIT. N Rawiller was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. After this, PENNY LANE was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 1000 Metres, HOXO was momentarily crowded for room inside SUM WIN DRAGON which was hampered and shifted in when being steadied away from the heels of GLACIER BLUE (D Whyte) which shifted in when not properly clear. D Whyte was severely reprimanded and advised to exercise more care. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on ISLAND GARDEN at the request of Trainer P O’Sullivan. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, ISLAND GARDEN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CALIFORNIA CHERISH was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 200 Metres. GLACIER BLUE and CALIFORNIA CHERISH were sent for sampling.