21/05/2017  Shatin  Race 9

ISHVARA shifted out at the start, tightening WINWIN RUBY onto VOLITATION. PLAY IT jumped awkwardly with its head up and soon after the start was crowded for room between FANTASTIC KAKA and SMILING CHARM. RATTAN began awkwardly. From a wide barrier, AMAZING AGILITY was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. LET US WIN lost its right front plate after the 300 Metres. When questioned, Apprentice M F Poon stated that although CITRON SPIRIT is usually ridden conservatively and settles in the back half of the field, with the racing pattern today appearing to favour on pace runners, he was asked to endeavour to position CITRON SPIRIT a little more prominently near midfield and with cover if possible. He said in accordance with his instructions he allowed CITRON SPIRIT to roll forward along the Back Straight, however, as the field condensed, he was not able to find cover and was left racing four wide. He said whilst he was able to shift in to a three wide position by the 600 Metres, the effort of racing wide and without cover had taken its toll and CITRON SPIRIT was a beaten horse soon after straightening. Trainer P F Yiu confirmed that due to on pace runners appearing to be favoured today, he had asked Apprentice Poon to have CITRON SPIRIT placed a little more prominently than what it normally would be in its races. A veterinary inspection of CITRON SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FANTASTIC KAKA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ISHVARA immediately following the race confirmed the horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that RATTAN had sustained a small overreach wound to the inside of the right front heel. RATTAN, CHEERFUL BOY and SMILING CHARM were sent for sampling. <22/5/2017 Additional Veterinary Report>ISHVARA, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time the horse was confirmed to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. ISHVARA was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer T P Yung this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, ISHVARA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.