01/07/2017  Shatin  Race 8

TRAVEL FIRST was withdrawn on 30.6.17 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind). Before being allowed to race again, TRAVEL FIRST will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOLDEN SUN began only fairly. From the outside barriers, UNICRON JEWELLERY and ENORMOUS HONOUR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When being steadied to obtain cover passing the winning post on the first occasion, WHITE MAGIC travelled keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions. Passing the 300 Metres, GONNA RUN and ENORMOUS HONOUR raced tight due to GOLDEN SUN shifting in. Then near the 250 Metres, ENORMOUS HONOUR was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of WHO DAT SINGA which was giving ground. For the majority of the race, MARQULA travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of MARQULA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MARQULA, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MARQULA 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, J Moreira stated that, from a wide barrier, he had been asked to shift UNICRON JEWELLERY, which was having its first start on the All Weather surface today, across behind runners. He said he had to improve his position after the 800 Metres in an attempt to obtain a position closer to the leaders, however, UNICRON JEWELLERY came under heavy pressure prior to the Home Turn and in the Straight gave ground. He added the only explanation he could offer for the horse’s disappointing performance was that it may not have handled the All Weather surface at its first time of asking under race conditions. A veterinary inspection of UNICRON JEWELLERY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TURIN PEARL and WHITE MAGIC were sent for sampling.