22/05/2016  Shatin  Race 10

TRAVEL FIRST began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, MAJESTIC ANTHEM got its head up when being steadied to obtain a position with cover. From wide barriers, PIKACHU and SILVERFIELD were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. For a considerable distance after the 1200 Metres, RICKFIELD proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of CELESTIAL SMILE. GREEN DISPATCH travelled wide and without cover until after the 800 Metres at which time JUN HUO was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 300 Metres, TRAVEL FIRST and SICHUAN VIGOUR raced tight as SICHUAN VIGOUR attempted to improve between TRAVEL FIRST and GREEN DISPATCH where there was insufficient room. When unable to continue improving between those horses, SICHUAN VIGOUR was then steadied and had difficulty obtaining clear running until passing the 200 Metres. MAJESTIC ANTHEM had some difficulty obtaining clear running after the 300 Metres. HARBOUR MASTER was held up for clear running until passing the 200 Metres. After the race, O Bosson (CELESTIAL SMILE) reported that the horse did not feel comfortable in its action during the race. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CELESTIAL SMILE was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, CELESTIAL SMILE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the performance of TRAVEL FIRST, C Schofield stated that after beginning awkwardly, he had to make a lot of use of the horse in the early stages to obtain a forward position from the outside barrier. He said after being able to shift in to race outside the leader near the 1200 Metres, TRAVEL FIRST then relaxed and travelled well during the middle stages. He said TRAVEL FIRST came under pressure in the early part of the Straight and then did not respond to his riding. He added he felt the amount of work he had to do in the early stages may have resulted in the horse not being able to close off the race and he was also of the opinion that TRAVEL FIRST may not have backed up after being successful last weekend. A veterinary inspection of TRAVEL FIRST immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GREEN DISPATCH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SICHUAN VIGOUR, HARBOUR MASTER and CIRCUIT LAND were sent for sampling.