01/10/2015  Shatin  Race 3

MISTER MARC began awkwardly and made contact with SPEEDY WALLY. INDIGO WAY was slow to begin. REAL GENEROUS was very slow to begin. For some distance approaching the 900 Metres, SPEEDY WALLY got its head up when racing keenly. At the 800 Metres, FORTUNE GIGGLES was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 200 Metres, MR VANILLA shifted out and made contact with CHEERFUL FRAME. When questioned, Z Purton was unable to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of CHEERFUL FRAME. He said after being provided with a nice run behind the speed, CHEERFUL FRAME came under pressure at the entrance to the Straight and then did not respond to his riding thereafter. Trainer C H Yip advised that in light of the horse's disappointing performance today, he believed CHEERFUL FRAME may not have handled the step up in distance to 1600 Metres of today's race due to its relative immaturity. A veterinary inspection of CHEERFUL FRAME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CHEERFUL FRAME, a last start winner and also a favourite for today's race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CHEERFUL FRAME will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, Apprentice H N Wong stated that although MISTER MARC travelled comfortably in the lead and initially responded well when placed under pressure near the 300 Metres, the horse subsequently proved disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race. He said however it was apparent to him that MISTER MARC does not perform at its best on the Sha Tin turf course, pointing to its better established form on the Sha Tin All Weather Track and at Happy Valley. A veterinary inspection of MISTER MARC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HIGH WARRIOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. REAL GENEROUS and FORTUNE GIGGLES were sent for sampling.