13/04/2016  Happy Valley  Race 8

KHAYA was withdrawn on 12.4.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (swollen left front fetlock). Before being allowed to race again, KHAYA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FRIENDS OF KA YING began awkwardly and from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Shortly after the start, FAT CHOY HONG KONG, when being ridden along, shifted in and bumped CIRCUIT LAND which in turn shifted in and made contact with STAR MAJESTIC. Passing the 1300 Metres, CIRCUIT LAND was bumped by STAR MAJESTIC which shifted out away from the heels of JUN HUO. PIKACHU was badly held up for clear running from on straightening until near the 150 Metres. Close to the finishing line, FRIENDS OF KA YING and STAR MAJESTIC bumped. Throughout the race, AMBER DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of CIRCUIT LAND, Z Purton stated that he was left racing in a three wide position in the early stages and it was not until AMBER DRAGON shifted in in advance of CIRCUIT LAND after the 1000 Metres that he was able to obtain cover. He said after the 600 Metres he was not able to improve his position as AMBER DRAGON was only just maintaining its position. He said he attempted to shift to the inside of that horse to follow STAR MAJESTIC through passing the 500 Metres, however, as FRIENDS OF KA YING improved its position to be racing to the inside of CIRCUIT LAND, he was not able to shift in. He added this resulted in CIRCUIT LAND and FRIENDS OF KA YING racing tight near the 450 Metres. He said he was therefore required to shift CIRCUIT LAND out passing the 400 Metres after which the horse finished off the race only fairly. He added whilst CIRCUIT LAND may have appeared disappointing, he believed that there were circumstances which explained the horse’s run. A veterinary inspection of CIRCUIT LAND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JUN HUO and PIKACHU were sent for sampling.