17/01/2016  Shatin  Race 5

Shortly after the start, DESMIOS became badly unbalanced after being bumped on the shoulder by EASTERN EXPRESS which, after being brushed by GIANT TURTLE, then got its head on the side and shifted out away from that horse. Near the 1400 Metres, EASTERN EXPRESS shifted in and bumped GIANT TURTLE. After the 1200 Metres, EASTERN EXPRESS got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of NORTHERN FALLS. Making the turn approaching the 900 Metres, BAMBOO DANCE got its head up when being checked away from the heels of TERRIFIC MASTER and shifted in abruptly, making heavy contact with the hindquarters of HAPPILABABY which became badly unbalanced. For some distance after the 800 Metres, TERRIFIC MASTER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DESMIOS. After the 400 Metres, ASHKIYR was shifted to the inside of the heels of INDUSTRIALIST WAY to obtain clear running. In the early part of the Straight, BAMBOO DANCE was shifted towards the outside rail. When questioned regarding the performance of HAPPILABABY, N Callan stated that after being loaded his mount became fractious and as the start was effected began very awkwardly and made heavy contact with the inside of its gate, resulting in the horse losing ground. He said he rode HAPPILABABY along in the early stages in an endeavour to make up lost ground, however, HAPPILABABY was reluctant to improve its position. He said along the Back Straight HAPPILABABY raced with its head on the side and then making the first turn became badly unbalanced when bumped heavily on the hindquarters by BAMBOO DANCE which resulted in the horse again losing ground. He added after this HAPPILABABY did not travel well and continue to want to lay in. He said whilst this was the first occasion that he had ridden the horse in a race, after having ridden it in a barrier trial in the lead up to today's race, HAPPILABABY appeared to him to race well when able to travel on the bridle which was not the case today because of the manner in which the horse began and then being bumped near the 900 Metres. He said because of these circumstances HAPPILABABY did not run on as expected in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of HAPPILABABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TOP ACE had bled from both nostrils. EASTERN EXPRESS and MCQUEEN were sent for sampling.