31/05/2017  Shatin  Race 1

GRAN MASTER shifted in at the start and bumped the hindquarters of PROUD SKY which became unbalanced. WINASWEWISH, which was being steadied to obtain cover, was crowded for room shortly after the start between COOL BROTHERS and WORKS OF ART, both of which shifted ground. From a wide barrier, GOOD FIT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1700 Metres, GRAN MASTER got its head up when racing in restricted room inside SMART UNION which was racing tight inside COOL BROTHERS (O Doleuze) which shifted in. O Doleuze was advised to exercise more when shifting ground. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, BEST TANGO was left racing wide and without cover and after the 1200 Metres was allowed to improve its position forward of WORKS OF ART and COOL BROTHERS to assume the lead passing the 800 Metres. Near the 750 Metres, CROWN AVENUE and SMART UNION raced tight as CROWN AVENUE shifted out to improve. After this, SMART UNION travelled wide and without cover. Near the 250 Metres, C Schofield (CROWN AVENUE) dropped his whip. Close to the finishing line, WINASWEWISH raced tight outside GRAN MASTER which drifted out under pressure. The performance of SMART UNION, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SMART UNION will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WORKS OF ART, N Callan stated that he was able to take up a forward position in the early stages as instructed. He said passing the 1300 Metres BEST TANGO worked its way forward around WORKS OF ART and as the rider of that horse appeared intent on leading, he elected to allow BEST TANGO to cross and was able to then take up a position to that horse’s outside. He said during this time of the race WORKS OF ART travelled well and he felt that the horse would finish off the race strongly. He said however that approaching the 500 Metres he commenced to niggle at WORKS OF ART, but the horse did not respond to his riding and did not show any turn of foot. He added WORKS OF ART came under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn and, despite being fully tested, was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened. He said after the race WORKS OF ART appeared to pull up sound. A veterinary inspection of WORKS OF ART immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of WORKS OF ART, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WORKS OF ART will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PROUD SKY had sustained a small wound to the outside of the right hind cannon. A veterinary inspection of GOOD FIT and COOL BROTHERS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CROWN AVENUE and GRAN MASTER were sent for sampling.