09/01/2016  Shatin  Race 5

REUNITED began awkwardly. AUTUMN GOLD blundered badly at the start. AXIOM blundered at the start and then from a wide barrier was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. SURE PEACE began awkwardly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Also from the outside barriers, EXPEDITE and SUPER SILKS were shifted across behind runners soon after the start. DRAGON BACHELOR was ridden along in the early stages, however, was slow to muster speed and then passing the winning post on the first occasion was steadied and shifted in in an attempt to obtain cover. DRAGON BACHELOR however subsequently travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. After the 1400 Metres, HOXO got its head up on a number of occasions when proving difficult to settle and awkwardly placed close to the heels of REUNITED. Passing the 1000 Metres, CHEERFUL FRAME was awkwardly placed behind APACHE SPIRIT. Passing the 900 Metres, SURE PEACE got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER SILKS. Passing the 200 Metres, C Schofield (APACHE SPIRIT) dropped his right rein. For the majority of the race, SUPERKING DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. After the race, M L Yeung (SUPERKING DRAGON) stated that his mount felt unbalanced in its action making the first turn, however, after this, whilst wide, the horse travelled satisfactorily. He said after the 800 Metres SUPERKING DRAGON commenced to give ground and did not stretch out after this point. A veterinary inspection of SUPERKING DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUPERKING DRAGON, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPERKING DRAGON 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 AUTUMN GOLD immediately following the race revealed the horse to have bled from both nostrils. CHEERFUL FRAME and SUPER SILKS were sent for sampling.