01/01/2016  Shatin  Race 7

THOR THE GREATEST was withdrawn on 31.12.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter I'M THE WON FOR U (Apprentice H N Wong). Before being allowed to race again, THOR THE GREATEST will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GREAT TREASURE proved difficult to load. Before being allowed to race again, GREAT TREASURE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. MEGATRON began only fairly. MEDIC KINGDOM began awkwardly. GREAT TREASURE was crowded for room on jumping between SOLAR HEI HEI and LUCKY EVER, both of which shifted ground. After this, GREAT TREASURE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the first turn near the 900 Metres, STRIKING STAR got its head up on a number of occasions when proving difficult to settle. Approaching the 800 Metres, MEGATRON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER FLUKE. At the 700 Metres, MEDIC KINGDOM got its head on the side and lay out when reluctant to maintain its position inside STRIKING STAR and as a consequence was checked and lost ground. This also resulted in MEDIC KINGDOM bumping the hindquarters of STRIKING STAR on a number of occasions, causing that horse to become unbalanced when racing tight inside RED MARVEL. After the 600 Metres, STRIKING STAR was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of RED MARVEL which shifted to the inside of DIAMOND MYSTERIOUS. DR RACE and RED MARVEL had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 200 Metres, TEAM FORTUNE was awkwardly placed inside the heels of DR RACE which was taken in by LUCKY EVER. SUPER FLUKE was unable to obtain clear running until approaching the 100 Metres. Over the concluding stages, DR RACE was awkwardly placed inside the heels of LUCKY EVER. Throughout the race, LUCKY EVER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SMART DELIGHT, Z Purton stated that the horse, which was resuming in today's race, had been able to take up a forward position in its recent barrier trials with ease, however, today had to be ridden along to clear TEAM FORTUNE to its inside. He said after obtaining the lead inside I'M THE WON FOR U, SMART DELIGHT travelled satisfactorily, however, came under heavy pressure shortly after the 400 Metres. He said SMART DELIGHT did not respond to his riding and shortened stride noticeably and passing the 300 Metres did not feel comfortable in its action. He added, due to the manner in which SMART DELIGHT was weakening, he felt that something may have been amiss with the horse and therefore he eased it down over the final 200 Metres. He said whilst SMART DELIGHT did not feel lame, nonetheless the horse would not stretch out when placed under pressure in the early part of the Straight. A veterinary inspection of SMART DELIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SMART DELIGHT was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SMART DELIGHT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of TEAM FORTUNE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TEAM FORTUNE, SOLAR HEI HEI and LUCKY EVER were sent for sampling.