05/04/2017  Shatin  Race 6

JOYFUL MOMENTS was withdrawn on 4.4.17 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind with a swollen fetlock) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SUPER MAN (Z Purton). Before being allowed to race again, JOYFUL MOMENTS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Whilst in the saddling stalls, FANTASTIC FEELING had its left hind plate refitted. FANTASTIC FEELING was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. GOLDEN SUN and BRILLIANT DREAM were slow to begin. SUPER MAN began only fairly and then despite being ridden along was slow to muster speed. GOAL FOR GOLD, GIANT STARS and FANTASTIC FEELING were all steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners from wide barriers. EASY TOUCH shifted out at the start and bumped SUNNY WIN, causing both horses to become unbalanced. Then despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, EASY TOUCH failed to muster speed. Passing the 1000 Metres, EASY TOUCH got its head up when awkwardly placed outside the heels of OUR FOLKS. Then making the turn near the 700 Metres, EASY TOUCH got its head on the side and hung out abruptly across the heels of SUNNY WIN, resulting in FANTASTIC FEELING being hampered when taken wider and EASY TOUCH losing a considerable amount of ground. After this, EASY TOUCH continued to hang out. The racing manners of EASY TOUCH were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, EASY TOUCH will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend. After the 900 Metres, BRILLIANT DREAM commenced to travel ungenerously. After the 800 Metres, SUPER MAN commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of OUR FOLKS. Rounding the Home Turn, GIANT STARS and EASY TOUCH raced tight as both horses attempted to improve into tight running between BRILLIANT DREAM and GOAL FOR GOLD. At the entrance to the Straight, SUPER MAN was checked away from the heels of HAPPY METEOR when disappointed for running between that horse and STAR OF YAN OI. In the early part of the Straight, BRILLIANT DREAM was shifted out across the heels of runners to obtain clear running and then for some distance approaching and passing the 250 Metres raced tight with GOAL FOR GOLD. Approaching the 100 Metres, HAPPY METEOR, which was commencing to give ground, was momentarily awkwardly placed outside the heels of GOLDEN SUN which shifted out to improve into tight running between HAPPY METEOR and TIMELY ARRIVED. Throughout the race, SUNNY WIN travelled wide and without cover. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of K C Leung (GOAL FOR GOLD), 6th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels all the way to the end of the race where circumstances permit. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY METEOR and EASY TOUCH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER MAN, STAR OF YAN OI and GOLDEN SUN were sent for sampling. <6/4/2017 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Officer reported that GIANT STARS was lame in its right front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, GIANT STARS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.