08/10/2016  Shatin  Race 10

On arrival at the Start, THE SHOW had its left front plate refitted and subsequently was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said, in his opinion, it was suitable to race. SUNNY ORIENT began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped LOTUS BREEZE which became unbalanced. After this, SUNNY ORIENT was shifted across behind runners. From wide barriers, AVELLINO and TEAM SWEET was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Passing the 1000 Metres, BEAUTY KINGDOM, which was travelling keenly, and CARE FREE PRINCE bumped, resulting in BEAUTY KINGDOM becoming unbalanced and shifting out across the heels of JOLLY BANNER. BEAUTY KINGDOM was then forced to race wide and without cover throughout the middle stages of the race. Passing the 700 Metres, AVELLINO commenced to prove difficult to settle and got its head up when racing close to the heels of LANSBURY. Throughout the race, RAGING BULL and LOTUS BREEZE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FASHION MAESTRO, Z Purton stated that, as usual, the horse was somewhat reluctant to stretch out in the early stages, however, this did not concern him as FASHION MAESTRO had previously felt that way when able to be successful. He said in the early stages he shifted FASHION MAESTRO across to race close to the rail and after the 1100 Metres he had to niggle at the horse in an endeavour to have it improve its position as FASHION MAESTRO did not appear to be stretching out. He said whilst FASHION MAESTRO was momentarily crowded for room near the 600 Metres, the horse was already under some pressure and then in the Straight did not respond to his riding at any stage and it was concerning to him that the horse did not make up any ground. He said the only explanation he could offer for the disappointing performance was that at its two wins late last season, the horse was positioned outside of runners whereas today FASHION MAESTRO was behind and inside runners and perhaps it may be more comfortable to be ridden outside of other runners. A veterinary inspection of FASHION MAESTRO immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. The performance of FASHION MAESTRO, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FASHION MAESTRO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of LOTUS BREEZE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JOLLY BANNER and MAGNETISM were sent for sampling. <10/11/2016 Additional Veterinary Report>FASHION MAESTRO, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. FASHION MAESTRO was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K W Lui last Sunday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. As previously advised, FASHION MAESTRO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.