31/05/2017  Shatin  Race 6

MEGA TREASURE was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (nasal laceration). Before being allowed to race again, MEGA TREASURE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. RADIANT BUNNY began only fairly. Shortly after the start, BORNTOACHIEVE, which was being ridden along to obtain a forward position, was crowded for room between JOYFUL MOMENTS and PRIMERO which was taken out by MR PICASSO which in turn was awkwardly placed outside the heels of DOLLAR REWARD which shifted out. In the early stages, when being ridden along to obtain a forward position, BIG FLASH (Apprentice M F Poon) hung in and proved difficult to ride. Then making the turn near the 700 Metres, SUNNY WIN was checked when crowded for room inside JOYFUL MOMENTS which was bumped and taken in by URBAN CHIC which itself was taken in by BIG FLASH which got its head on the side and hung in despite the considerable efforts of its rider. Apprentice Poon was advised that in the circumstances the Stewards were satisfied that he had made all reasonable endeavours to prevent BIG FLASH from shifting in and accordingly no further action was taken. RADIANT BUNNY, which was following SUNNY WIN, was steadied away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Apprentice Poon stated that at no stage of the race did BIG FLASH feel comfortable in its action. He said whilst he was not able to detect any lameness issues with BIG FLASH, nonetheless the horse did not appear to be striding out fluently and hung in throughout the race. He added BIG FLASH came under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn and then, despite being tested, gave ground abruptly to finish at the tail of the field. A veterinary inspection of BIG FLASH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of BIG FLASH, one of the favoured runners for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BIG FLASH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. In the early and middle stages, DOLLAR REWARD lay out. Near the 450 Metres, RADIANT BUNNY became badly unbalanced when momentarily crowded for room inside DOLLAR REWARD which was racing tight inside URBAN CHIC which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BIG FLASH as that horse commenced to give ground. JOYFUL MOMENTS and SUNNY WIN were sent for sampling.