24/01/2016  Shatin  Race 7

KINGSFIELD was withdrawn on 23.1.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter DIAMOND KING (Y T Cheng). Before being allowed to race again, KINGSFIELD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Whilst in the saddling stalls, BREEDERS' STAR had its right hind plate refitted. BREEDERS' STAR was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. POWER DRAGON began awkwardly and shifted in, resulting in BLAZE STAMINA, DIEGO KOSTA and BREEDERS' STAR all being hampered. DIAMOND KING began awkwardly, shifted out at the start and made heavy contact with the hindquarters of BOTH LUCKY which became unbalanced. After this, DIAMOND KING was ridden along to obtain a forward position. As the start was effected, LINE SEEKER became fractious, lunged at the front gates and consequently lost ground. Then from the outside barrier, LINE SEEKER was shifted across behind runners. After the race, Z Purton stated that it had been intended for LINE SEEKER to be ridden in a forward position in accordance with its prior racing pattern. Also from a wide barrier, GLOBE TROTTER was shifted across behind runners shortly after the start. Soon after the start, EAGLE POWER raced tight between BRAVE KNIGHT and GOOD LUCK BOY. BLAZE STAMINA lost its left front plate shortly after the start. Passing the 1000 Metres, SPEEDY ACHIEVER got its head up when proving very difficult to settle. After the 1000 Metres, BOTH LUCKY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BRAVE KNIGHT and shifted in, resulting in WINSTON'S LAD being momentarily inconvenienced. DIAMOND KING was left racing wide and without cover after the 900 Metres. Passing the 700 Metres, WINSTON'S LAD was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BOTH LUCKY which was proving difficult to settle and awkwardly placed close to the heels of BRAVE KNIGHT. Near the 500 Metres, DIAMOND KING was bumped by BOTH LUCKY which shifted out into clear running. Passing the 400 Metres, BREEDERS' STAR was shifted in away from the heels of DIEGO KOSTA which shifted out to obtain clear running. At the 200 Metres, BREEDERS' STAR was shifted in away from the heels of GOOD LUCK BOY which shifted out. Passing the 200 Metres, SPEEDY ACHIEVER shifted out abruptly. Close to the finishing line, CHEVALIER STAR shifted out abruptly and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. Throughout the race, BRAVE KNIGHT travelled wide and without cover. After the race, BLAZE STAMINA was found to have sustained an injury to the left front bulb of the heel. A veterinary inspection of WINSTON'S LAD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WINSTON'S LAD, LINE SEEKER and DIAMOND KING were sent for sampling.