19/03/2017  Shatin  Race 7

Whilst in the saddling stalls, STAR MAJESTIC had its left front plate refitted. STAR MAJESTIC was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. RICKFIELD was slow to begin, shifted out and then was steadied away from the heels of ENSURING which shifted in. HAPPY CONTENDER shifted in at the start and bumped LOTUS STRIKES BACK. From wide barriers, HO HO FEEL, GENERAL SHERMAN, RAGHU and REDWOOD BABY were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, HAPPY ROCKY got its head on the side and lay in towards the heels of WILLIE WAY. WILLIE WAY lost its left hind plate near the 1800 Metres. HAPPY CONTENDER lost its right front plate after the 1400 Metres. Passing the 500 Metres, ENSURING shifted out and bumped HAPPY ROCKY. Near the 350 Metres, HO HO FEEL improved into tight running between LOTUS STRIKES BACK and STAR MAJESTIC which was giving ground. Passing the 300 Metres, HO HO FEEL was shifted in away from the heels of WILLIE WAY to continue improving. Approaching the 100 Metres, GENERAL SHERMAN shifted in under pressure, resulting in its rider having to straighten on a number of occasions. Throughout the race, SHARP SAILOR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, K Teetan stated that as WILLIE WAY had performed well at its last start when making a mid-race move into the lead, he was asked to take advantage of the horse’s inside barrier today to take up a forward position. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along in the early stages and as the opportunity presented itself after passing the winning post on the first occasion to race in front of the favourite MAMBO ROCK and with a trailing position behind JOLLY GENE, he obtained this position and after this WILLIE WAY travelled comfortably. He said however that WILLIE WAY came under pressure prior to the Home Turn and then did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of WILLIE WAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, both Z Purton (REDWOOD BABY) and C Williams (STAR MAJESTIC) said their respective mounts did not appear to be comfortable in their action over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of REDWOOD BABY immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, REDWOOD BABY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of STAR MAJESTIC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MAMBO ROCK and JOLLY GENE were sent for sampling.