28/05/2017  Shatin  Race 3

GOLDEN ACHIEVER began awkwardly. HALL OF FAME began only fairly. From the outside barrier, VARA PEARL was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1100 Metres, GOLDEN ACHIEVER was steadied away from the heels of HAPPY AND HEALTHY. For some distance after the 1100 Metres, CHEERS CONQUEROR proved very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of ELECTRIC LIGHTNING. HALL OF FAME, which was following CHEERS CONQUEROR, shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence and was consequently left racing wide and without cover. Also for some distance after the 1100 Metres, IMPERIAL GALLANTRY travelled keenly. Approaching and passing the 100 Metres, LUCKY SEVEN STARS raced tight inside IMPERIAL GALLANTRY which hung in and proved difficult to ride in the Straight. LUCKY SEVEN STARS then got its head on the side and shifted in away from IMPERIAL GALLANTRY, resulting in BEST EFFORT racing tight between LUCKY SEVEN STARS and JE PENSE. Passing the 50 Metres, GOLDEN ACHIEVER was shifted to the inside of WIN FOR CHARITY after being disappointed for running between that horse and JE PENSE. Close to the finishing line, LUCKY SEVEN STARS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY AND HEALTHY and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. C Y Ho (HALL OF FAME) was warned against the practice of raising his whip arm above the height of this shoulder. When questioned regarding the performance of AMBITIOUS PINS, N Callan stated that, as instructed, he steadied his mount from a wide barrier and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover closer to the rail. He said as the tempo of the race was not strong, he attempted to improve his position after the 800 Metres, however, GOLD VELVET to his inside shifted out which resulted in AMBITIOUS PINS being taken wider. He said rather than covering unnecessary ground, he elected to steady AMBITIOUS PINS and trail GOLD VELVET into the Home Straight. He added after placing his mount under pressure in the early part of the Straight, AMBITIOUS PINS did not quicken and appeared reluctant to improve between VARA PEARL and GOLD VELVET for some distance after the 200 Metres. He said whilst the pace of the race was not to AMBITIOUS PINS’ advantage, nonetheless the horse was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of AMBITIOUS PINS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CHEERS CONQUEROR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ELECTRIC LIGHTNING and HAPPY AND HEALTHY were sent for sampling.