05/04/2017  Shatin  Race 2

BEST REWARD was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, after initially being taken out by ROCK THE TREE, SMART SALUTE was steadied away from the heels of WINASWEWISH (O Doleuze) which shifted in. O Doleuze was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear of other horses when commencing to shift ground. From a wide barrier, GOOD CHOICE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SMART SALUTE, which was being ridden along to obtain a forward position, momentarily raced tight between WINASWEWISH and JE PENSE which shifted in marginally. SMART SALUTE then shifted in and bumped WINASWEWISH which became unbalanced and shifted in, resulting in TRUE COMMENT being steadied when crowded for room. As the Stewards were satisfied that there was no carelessness attached to this incident, no further action was taken. Approaching the 1100 Metres, JE PENSE, which for the majority of the race travelled wide and without cover, shifted in and bumped ROCK THE TREE. Shortly after entering the Straight, O Doleuze dropped his right rein as he was changing his whip over into his right hand. As he was attempting to regather the use of this rein, WINASWEWISH shifted out abruptly passing the 300 Metres, resulting in JE PENSE and BEST REWARD being inconvenienced. O Doleuze was then not able to regather the use of his right rein until passing the 200 Metres, placing him at a disadvantage during this part of the race. The performance of BO DUKE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BO DUKE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GLENEALY PRIZE, BEST REWARD and GOOD FIT were sent for sampling.