13/03/2016  Shatin  Race 1

J Moreira (CHANCELLOR) was fined the sum of $2,000 for failing to present himself in the Parade Ring by the required time. CHANCELLOR began awkwardly. GOLD TARTINI shifted out at the start and bumped TRIBAL GLORY. HIGH SPEED METRO got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied in the early stages. From wide barriers, THUNDER WINNER, SMART GUY and RUGBY AMBASSADOR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching and passing the 1600 Metres, TELECOM PRINCE and HIGH SPEED METRO raced tight as TELECOM PRINCE (K Teetan) attempted to apply pressure to HIGH SPEED METRO to shift in towards the rail. Then passing the 1550 Metres, TELECOM PRINCE was checked when crowded for room between HIGH SPEED METRO which shifted out after becoming unbalanced due to the initial contact from TELECOM PRINCE and THUNDER WINNER (N Rawiller) which, at the same time, shifted in. K Teetan was advised that whilst the Stewards encourage competitive riding, he must exercise care as to the amount of pressure he applies upon other horses. N Rawiller was also advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. For some distance after the 1300 Metres, THIS IS GLADIATOR raced keenly when being steadied to allow FAITHFUL BOY to cross. Passing the 600 Metres, HIGH SPEED METRO shifted out after getting its head up when racing close to the heels of MIZZEN GREY. TELECOM PRINCE, which was following HIGH SPEED METRO, was inconvenienced in consequence. Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, OWNERS' GLORY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHANCELLOR when held up behind that horse and racing tight inside MIZZEN GREY. GOLD TARTINI, which was following OWNERS' GLORY, was shifted away from the heels of that horse in consequence near the 450 Metres. Passing the 400 Metres, CASA MASTER was shifted out away from the heels of GOLD TARTINI after being disappointed for running between that horse and HIGH SPEED METRO. Passing the 100 Metres, MIZZEN GREY was awkwardly placed inside the heels of TRIBAL GLORY and then over the concluding stages again raced close to the heels of TRIBAL GLORY and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. Throughout the race, THUNDER WINNER travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground and finished tailed out. The performance of THUNDER WINNER was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, THUNDER WINNER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, B Prebble stated that after FOREST COLOURS began well, the horse became badly unbalanced and appeared to lose its action behind. He said as he felt that the horse had broken down, he immediately eased it down. After reviewing the videos, it was established that THUNDER WINNER, which was drawn immediately inside FOREST COLOURS, shifted out at the start and its left front leg struck the right hind leg of FOREST COLOURS, resulting in the horse becoming badly unbalanced in its action which led to Jockey Prebble forming the view that the horse had possibly broken down. A veterinary inspection of FOREST COLOURS immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained small wounds over the right hind cannon and pastern, however, due to the fractious nature of the horse, an endoscopic examination was unable to be performed. After the race, RUGBY AMBASSADOR was found to be lame in the right front leg with swelling noted above the left shoulder. Before being allowed to race again, RUGBY AMBASSADOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of THUNDER WINNER, HIGH SPEED METRO and TELECOM PRINCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CHANCELLOR and FAITHFUL BOY were sent for sampling.