02/11/2016  Shatin  Race 2

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that GRAND HARBOUR had blood in its mouth. GRAND HARBOUR was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. MY BLESSING and FURIOUS PEGASUS began only fairly. HAY GO LUCKY began awkwardly and bumped the outside of its barrier, resulting in the horse beginning only fairly. Then, despite being ridden along in the early stages, HAY GO LUCKY failed to muster speed and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of THE RAINBOW which shifted out. YOUNG EMPIRE shifted out at the start and bumped LONDON CITY. After this, LONDON CITY, despite being ridden along, failed to muster speed and shortly after the start was shifted across behind runners. LONDON CITY was however left racing wide and without cover approaching the 700 Metres when proving difficult to settle. Despite being vigorously ridden along approaching and passing the 700 Metres, THE RAINBOW was unable to maintain its position. When endeavouring to improve into tight running between BORN DRAGON (J Moreira) and HEARTS KEEPER approaching the 400 Metres, GAME OF FUN was checked when BORN DRAGON shifted out marginally and HEARTS KEEPER improved to the inside of the heels of GRAND HARBOUR. The Stewards accepted that the shift from BORN DRAGON was not a great one, however, J Moreira was advised to exercise more care when attempting to position his mounts in similar circumstances. In the early part of the Straight, GAME OF FUN got its head on the side and hung in. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TRILLION TREASURE, N Callan stated that after riding his mount hard in the early stages to obtain a forward position, he steadied TRILLION TREASURE to allow YOUNG EMPIRE to cross as that horse was being ridden to obtain the lead. He said after being crossed by YOUNG EMPIRE, he then allowed TRILLION TREASURE to improve its position to race to the outside of the hindquarters of YOUNG EMPIRE. He said his mount then travelled comfortably in the middle stages, however, he was obliged to start riding TRILLION TREASURE along earlier than what he had hoped when GRAND HARBOUR improved to the outside of TRILLION TREASURE passing the 500 Metres. He said after being placed under pressure in the early part of the Straight, TRILLION TREASURE initially quickened well, however, after being headed by GRAND HARBOUR prior to the 200 Metres, TRILLION TREASURE then commenced to give ground and shortened stride noticeably over the final 100 Metres. A veterinary inspection of TRILLION TREASURE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of TRILLION TREASURE, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TRILLION TREASURE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that THE RAINBOW had bled from both nostrils. BORN DRAGON, HEARTS KEEPER and GRAND HARBOUR were sent for sampling.