05/07/2015  Shatin  Race 7

Whilst in the saddling stalls, RIGHTEOUS had its left hind plate refitted. RIGHTEOUS was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. SKY HERO was crowded for room on jumping between JUST WONDERFUL and SUN PINS which shifted out after beginning awkwardly. From wide barriers, BAAB AL NASR, COLOSSUS and AMBER DRAGON were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 700 Metres, GRACEFUL KINGDOM was taken wider by COLOSSUS which shifted out away from the heels of PACKING GO GO. Rounding the Home Turn, SKY HERO got its head on the side and lay out. At the entrance to the Straight, COLOSSUS shifted in away from the heels of PACKING GO GO. Shortly after entering the Straight, SUN PINS got its head on the side and lay in towards the heels of RIGHTEOUS and as a consequence was disappointed for running between RIGHTEOUS and SKY HERO which shifted in. SUN PINS was then badly held up for clear running until approaching the 200 Metres. BAAB AL NASR was shifted in abruptly after the 400 Metres to obtain clear running. After the 200 Metres, T H So (BAAB AL NASR) dropped his right rein. Passing the 100 Metres, MARVEL HERO was shifted to the outside of RIGHTEOUS to obtain clear running. Then over the concluding stages, MARVEL HERO was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RIGHTEOUS. For the majority of the race, KIRAM travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SKY HERO, B Prebble stated that his mount travelled very strongly in the early and middle stages and passing the 600 Metres he believed the horse was going to finish off the race strongly. He said after shifting to the outside of RIGHTEOUS approaching the 500 Metres, SKY HERO got its head on the side and lay out. He said after this SKY HERO immediately came under pressure and then despite being ridden out did not finish off the race. He added SKY HERO, when placed under pressure, made an abnormal breathing noise as it had done when he had ridden it in some of its work in the lead up to today’s race. A veterinary inspection of SKY HERO immediately following the race confirmed the horse to be a “roarer”. The performance of SKY HERO, a favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SKY HERO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SKY HERO, RIGHTEOUS and SUNNY PEARL were sent for sampling.