07/05/2016  Shatin  Race 9

DIGITAL GENERATION proved difficult to load. Before being allowed to race again, DIGITAL GENERATION will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. DIGITAL GENERATION was then slow to begin. When being loaded, SENSATION lunged at the front gates. SENSATION was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, SENSATION will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if CHEVALIER STAR had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from Jockey Z Purton and Deputy Starter, Mr A Speechley. After considering the evidence from both parties and after viewing the official videos, it was established that as the start was effected, CHEVALIER STAR reared and then sat down. The Stewards were satisfied that this occurrence was due solely to the horse's behaviour and accordingly deemed that CHEVALIER STAR was afforded a fair start and ruled it to be a runner. Before being allowed to race again, CHEVALIER STAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. AVELLINO jumped in at the start and made contact with SUPER CLAN, resulting in that horse being crowded onto THANKSGIVING which in turn was crowded in onto and CHARITY GLORY. Due to contact on its hindquarters, AVELLINO continued to lay in despite the efforts of its rider, causing further hampering to SUPER CLAN. From a wide barrier, MAGNETISM was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1200 Metres, DIGITAL GENERATION got its head up and was reluctant to hold its position when racing tight to the inside of LUCKY SEVEN STARS which was inclined to shift in away from CHARITY GLORY. For some distance approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, SUPER CLAN got its head up and over-raced when being steadied to allow HANG'S DECISION to cross. After being left racing wide and without cover approaching the first turn, AVELLINO was ridden along after the 900 Metres to assume the outright lead. At the 850 Metres, HANG'S DECISION was left racing wide and without cover. When AVELLINO crossed into the lead at the 700 Metres, FIONESAY was steadied away from the heels of that horse. WONDERFUL JOURNEY, which was following, was checked in consequence. SENSATION, which was following WONDERFUL JOURNEY, shifted out away from the heels of that horse and made contact with CHARITY GLORY, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. Passing the 250 Metres, SENSATION was shifted to the outside of MAGNETISM after being disappointed for running between that horse which shifted in slightly and the tiring THANKSGIVING. After the 150 Metres, SENSATION then shifted out and made contact with SUPER CLAN. Inside the final 50 Metres, AVELLINO shifted out abruptly under pressure, obliging its rider N Callan to stop riding and straighten his mount. When AVELLINO shifted out, HAPPY SURVEYS was inconvenienced. Close to the finishing line, FIONESAY was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of SPICY SURE. A veterinary inspection of CHARITY GLORY and SENSATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AVELLINO and HAPPY SURVEYS were sent for sampling.