27/12/2015  Shatin  Race 3

AMBASSADORSHIP was slow to begin. CASA MASTER began only fairly. HAPPY AND HEALTHY began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, IMPERIAL GALLANTRY and MONSIEUR MOGOK bumped. From the outside barrier, LEVEL PLAYER was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When questioned regarding the performance of IMPERIAL GALLANTRY, D Whyte stated that in the early stages IMPERIAL GALLANTRY was reluctant to shift over towards the rail which resulted in MONSIEUR MOGOK being able to improve towards the inside of IMPERIAL GALLANTRY despite initially being drawn outside his mount. He said because of the reluctance of IMPERIAL GALLANTRY to shift over towards the rail, this resulted in the horse being left racing in a three wide position without cover after the 1000 Metres. He said IMPERIAL GALLANTRY did not travel comfortably at any stage and he had to commence riding his mount along after the 1000 Metres in order for the horse to maintain its position. He said he had to continually push his mount thereafter and after the 600 Metres was required to ride the horse vigorously as IMPERIAL GALLANTRY was commencing to give ground. He added although he had some concern with the manner in which IMPERIAL GALLANTRY was travelling, he persisted in riding the horse along in the hope that it would balance up and finish off its race after straightening as it had done in some of its races when ridden by him in the past. He said after riding his mount along in the early part of the Straight, IMPERIAL GALLANTRY's action deteriorated and the horse then commenced to make an abnormal breathing noise after the 300 Metres. He said as IMPERIAL GALLANTRY was not comfortable in its action and having regard to the horse appearing to have breathing issues, he eased it down over about the final 200 Metres. He further stated that after the race whilst IMPERIAL GALLANTRY appeared sound in its action, the horse continued to make an abnormal breathing noise. Trainer P O'Sullivan stated that as IMPERIAL GALLANTRY had raced greenly in its races thus far, he had added blinkers to the horse's gear in an attempt to have it race more tractably. He said the horse had not shown any previous breathing issues in its track work or in its races, however, he would monitor the situation acting on the advice of Jockey Whyte immediately following the race. He added, given the manner in which IMPERIAL GALLANTRY performed today, he would discuss with the owners whether to give the horse a let-up prior to its next race start. A veterinary inspection of IMPERIAL GALLANTRY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of IMPERIAL GALLANTRY, a favourite for today's race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, IMPERIAL GALLANTRY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, J Moreira expressed concern regarding the action of HIGH WARRIOR which gave ground in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of HIGH WARRIOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, HIGH WARRIOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. IMPERIAL GALLANTRY, GOLD TALENT and ENTRUSTING were sent for sampling.