21/11/2015  Shatin  Race 10

As the start was effected, RHODE ASSASSIN became fractious and reared abruptly, resulting in its rider, V Cheminaud, being dislodged and RHODE ASSASSIN leaving the gates riderless. When viewing the video of this incident, Mr C S Shum, the trainer of RHODE ASSASSIN, sought to make application for RHODE ASSASSIN to be declared a non-runner. After considering the matter, the Stewards found that RHODE ASSASSIN had caused its own difficulties and as the incident occurred simultaneously with the start being effected, the Stewards found RHODE ASSASSIN to have been afforded a fair start and accordingly it was deemed to be a runner. Before being allowed to race again, RHODE ASSASSIN will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. COUNTRY MELODY shifted in at the start, resulting in MASSIVE MILLENNIUM becoming unbalanced when crowded for room outside SMART MAN. From a wide barrier, HIGH FIVE was steadied shortly after the start and shifted across behind runners. At the 900 Metres, MASSIVE MILLENNIUM, which was racing keenly, was severely checked after shifting out across the heels of LOOKS LIKE THE CAT when taken out by SMART MAN which got its head on the side and shifted out making the turn after momentarily racing tight inside COUNTRY MELODY which got its head on the side and shifted in marginally. HIGH FIVE, which was following, was checked in consequence and HAPPY BAO BEI was also hampered. Despite this incident being one of some significance, as there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. Near the 650 Metres, MASSIVE MILLENNIUM got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of CHEEKY TOO. G Benoist (YOU READ MY MIND) dropped his whip inside the 100 Metres. Throughout the race, WONDERFUL MOMENTS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Z Purton stated that HARRIER JET, which was having its first start in Hong Kong today, was inclined to lay out making the Home Turn. He said he shifted HARRIER JET to the outside of the eventual winner LUCKY BUBBLES at the entrance to the Straight and commenced to ride his mount along. He said however that HARRIER JET immediately commenced to lay in under pressure and for this reason he changed his whip into right hand approaching the 200 Metres. He added despite this HARRIER JET continued to hang in which resulted in COUNTRY MELODY racing tight to the inside of HARRIER JET. He said he was able to straighten his mount somewhat near the 150 Metres and went to commence riding the horse along with the whip, however, HARRIER JET again hung in passing the 100 Metres. He said as COUNTRY MELODY continued to race tight to the inside of HARRIER JET, he was not able to properly test his mount. A veterinary inspection of HARRIER JET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of COUNTRY MELODY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY BUBBLES and BULLISH FRIEND were sent for sampling.