01/07/2016  Shatin  Race 10

FAST BALL was withdrawn on 29.6.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore back) and was replaced by first Standby Declared Starter PO CHING TREASURE. FOODIE was withdrawn on 30.6.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by second Standby Declared Starter FULL GLORY. Before being allowed to race again, FAST BALL and FOODIE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. In the Parade Ring, OTOUTO became fractious, resulting in C Y Ho being momentarily dislodged. Although able to fulfil his engagement on OTOUTO, C Y Ho complained of pain in his left ankle following the race and was stood down from his remaining race riding engagement by the Club's doctor. On arrival at the barriers, it was noted that SURE PEACE had lost its right front plate. After this plate was refitted, SURE PEACE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. GRAND PLUS and SURE PEACE were hampered and lost ground on jumping when crowded for room inside PO CHING TREASURE which, after beginning awkwardly, was then taken in by KITAYA which shifted in. After this, PO CHING TREASURE was vigorously ridden along, however, failed to muster speed. From wide barriers, OTOUTO, CLOUD NINE and RACING HERO were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. In the early stages, CHOICE TREASURE travelled wide and without cover and after the 1300 Metres improved around the field to assume the lead after the 1000 Metres. Passing the 1100 Metres, LOTUS BREEZE commenced to prove difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when being checked away from the heels of ULTIMATE GLORY. PO CHING TREASURE, which was following LOTUS BREEZE, got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse passing the 800 Metres. Approaching the 800 Metres, SURE PEACE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GRAND PLUS and making the turn near the 700 Metres became unbalanced when being checked away from the heels of that horse and in doing so shifted in and made heavy contact with the hindquarters of FORMULA WON which became unbalanced. FULL GLORY became unbalanced and lost ground making the turn near the 700 Metres. Near the 250 Metres, FORMULA WON was shifted in away from the heels of GRAND PLUS to obtain clear running. For the majority of the race, ULTIMATE GLORY travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of PO CHING TREASURE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GRAND PLUS immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a cut to its right hind tendon region, however, it was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. Before being allowed to race again, GRAND PLUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SURE PEACE, RACING HERO and ULTIMATE GLORY were sent for sampling.