24/01/2016  Shatin  Race 4

BLAZING PASS, SURE PEACE and ELEGANCE KLAMMER were slow to begin. EXPEDITE shifted in at the start and bumped TRUE COMMENT. AXIOM and NOBLE DE MAN bumped on jumping. Shortly after the start, DRAGON BACHELOR shifted out and bumped ENTRUSTING. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, DRAGON BACHELOR failed to muster speed. Approaching and passing the winning post on the first occasion, LUCKY PLACE travelled keenly when being steadied and subsequently travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. Passing the 1300 Metres, SURE PEACE got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of AXIOM. Approaching the 1000 Metres, DRAGON BACHELOR and ENTRUSTING raced tight. Then passing the 1000 Metres, DRAGON BACHELOR got its head on the side and shifted in towards the heels of ONE OF A KIND. SURE PEACE, which was following, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DRAGON BACHELOR in consequence. Rounding the Home Turn, SURE PEACE lost ground when checked away from the heels of NOBLE DE MAN which was giving ground. Close to the finishing line, SURE PEACE shifted out, resulting in its rider, J Moreira, having to stop riding and straighten. The performances of LUCKY PLACE, CASA MASTER and BLAZING PASS which all finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY PLACE, CASA MASTER and BLAZING PASS 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 NOBLE DE MAN immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of NOBLE DE MAN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, NOBLE DE MAN 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 BLAZING PASS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SURE PEACE, TRUE COMMENT and EXPEDITE were sent for sampling.