01/03/2017  Shatin  Race 5

RESPECT was withdrawn on 27.2.17 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter M REBORN. Before being allowed to race again, RESPECT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GREAT SKY began only fairly. After being steadied in the early stages to obtain a position with cover, M REBORN travelled greenly and shifted ground on a number of occasions and near the 1150 Metres was awkwardly placed outside the heels of BORN DRAGON. Passing the 900 Metres, HURRICANE KID was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BORN DRAGON (J Moreira) which shifted in when not quite clear. J Moreira was advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances. For some distance making the turn after the 700 Metres, BOLSHOI BALLET got its head on the side and lay out. Rounding the Home Turn, BORN DRAGON and BOND ELEGANCE raced tight as BORN DRAGON shifted out to obtain clear running. Passing the 300 Metres, HEARTS KEEPER was checked when attempting to improve between FLYING GODSPELL and SALSA BROTHERS where there was insufficient room. HEARTS KEEPER was then shifted to the outside of SALSA BROTHERS passing the 200 Metres to obtain clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, HURRICANE KID shifted out and brushed SMILING GLORY. Throughout the race, BOND ELEGANCE and SMILING GLORY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FLYING GODSPELL, Apprentice H N Wong stated that he was able to obtain the lead in the early stages without having to place too much pressure on FLYING GODSPELL. He said after shifting in to race on the rail in the lead passing the 1000 Metres, FLYING GODSPELL travelled comfortably and even when SALSA BROTHERS improved to its outside near the 700 Metres, his mount continued to travel well and he expected it to respond well when placed under pressure rounding the Home Turn. He said FLYING GODSPELL came under pressure at the 400 Metres and initially responded satisfactorily, however, when SALSA BROTHERS improved outside FLYING GODSPELL near the 300 Metres, FLYING GODSPELL immediately commenced to give ground and then was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of FLYING GODSPELL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of FLYING GODSPELL, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FLYING GODSPELL 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, it was reported that SALSA BROTHERS had sustained a wound to the right hind cannon. An endoscopic examination was also conducted on SALSA BROTHERS at the request of Trainer C S Shum. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, SALSA BROTHERS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SALSA BROTHERS lost its right hind plate during the race. BORN DRAGON and HURRICANE KID were sent for sampling.