17/12/2016  Shatin  Race 5

KING’S MAN began only fairly and then shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of TRIUMPHANT LIGHT. Then passing the 1550 Metres, KING’S MAN was steadied away from the heels of HIT A HOME RUN which shifted out after being bumped by GOBI STORM which was taken out by TERRIFIC MASTER. This resulted in KING’S MAN racing back in the field. From wide barriers, BONITO and SPEEDY WALLY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1200 Metres, GOBI STORM commenced to prove difficult to settle and shifted out abruptly away from the heels of TERRIFIC MASTER and across the heels of GO BEAUTY GO, resulting in KING’S MAN being checked. Then making the turn near the 900 Metres, GOBI STORM got its head on the side and lay out. After this, GOBI STORM travelled wide and without cover. Passing the 800 Metres, TERRIFIC MASTER was steadied away from the heels of FRUITFUL LIFE which was awkwardly placed behind CHEERS CONQUEROR which in turn raced close to the heels of DASHING SUPER which was taken out by TRIUMPHANT LIGHT which was laying out. After this, TRIUMPHANT LIGHT continued to lay out and in the Straight shifted out under pressure. After the 700 Metres, FRUITFUL LIFE commenced to give ground and subsequently finished tailed out. The performances of FRUITFUL LIFE and GOBI STORM, which also finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FRUITFUL LIFE and GOBI STORM 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 FRUITFUL LIFE and GOBI STORM immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination revealed both horses to have a substantial amount of mucus in the trachea. In the early part of the Straight, POLYMER LUCK was awkwardly placed outside TRIUMPHANT LIGHT which shifted out. Also in the early part of the Straight, SPEEDY WALLY got its head on the side and was reluctant to shift to the outside of GOBI STORM. Passing the 400 Metres, KING’S MAN raced tight inside GOBI STORM. Passing the 150 Metres, KING’S MAN was shifted out away from the heels of GO BEAUTY GO. Over the concluding stages, BEST REWARD raced tight between BONITO and HIT A HOME RUN which improved to be racing tight inside POLYMER LUCK. Throughout the race, BEST EFFORT travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of DASHING SUPER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GO BEAUTY GO, TRIUMPHANT LIGHT and KING’S MAN were sent for sampling.