23/04/2017  Shatin  Race 5

INVINCIBLE DRAGON was withdrawn on 21.4.17 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore with a swollen fetlock). Before being allowed to race again, INVINCIBLE DRAGON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CALIFORNIA WHIP began awkwardly and then was crowded for room between WESTERN EXPRESS and LUCKY GIRL which shifted out. In this incident, WESTERN EXPRESS became unbalanced after being bumped by CALIFORNIA WHIP. From the outside barrier, GONNA RUN was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. After the 1100 Metres, LIMITLESS got its head up when proving difficult to settle and being checked away from the heels of WESTERN EXPRESS. Near the 650 Metres, FIGHT HERO raced tight between WESTERN EXPRESS and LIMITLESS which shifted out to improve. Passing the 300 Metres, GONNA RUN was shifted to the inside of LUCKY YEAR after being disappointed for running outside that horse and inside PEOPLE’S KNIGHT. GONNA RUN then had difficulty obtaining clear running for a short distance after the 300 Metres. After the race, J Moreira (WESTERN EXPRESS) stated that his mount raced “flat”. Mr J Size, the trainer of WESTERN EXPRESS, informed the Stewards that following the horse’s disappointing run, it was his intention to spell it. A veterinary inspection of WESTERN EXPRESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of LIMITLESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. WESTERN EXPRESS, MIDNIGHT RATTLER and CALIFORNIA WHIP were sent for sampling.