09/07/2017  Shatin  Race 1

Whilst in the saddling stalls, ELEGANCE PROMISE had its right front plate refitted. ELEGANCE PROMISE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. FANTASTIC SHOW began only fairly. CHATER THUNDER began awkwardly and then was steadied shortly after the start when crowded for room between BINGO which was taken out by RIVERSIDE BIRD and ELEGANCE PROMISE which was taken in by GALLANT RETURN which in turn raced tight inside LUCKY MASTER. In this incident, ELEGANCE PROMISE became badly unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by CHATER THUNDER. From wide barriers, TELECOM SUN and STRATHSPEY were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Approaching the 1000 Metres, CHATER THUNDER momentarily raced tight between BINGO and LUCKY MASTER which shifted in. When racing wide, CHAPARRAL STAR was steadied approaching and passing the 1000 Metres to obtain cover. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, CHATER THUNDER got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of GALLANT RETURN. Approaching the 600 Metres, LUCKY STRYKER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY MASTER. Near the 550 Metres, STAR OF HONG KONG raced in restricted room inside FANTASTIC SHOW which improved into tight running inside CHAPARRAL STAR. Rounding the Home Turn, CHAPARRAL STAR was taken wider by FANTASTIC SHOW which shifted out to improve. At the entrance to the Straight, STRATHSPEY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHATER THUNDER. Passing the 200 Metres, STAR OF HONG KONG was shifted in away from the heels of ELEGANCE PROMISE which was weakening. ELEGANCE PROMISE and TELECOM SUN bumped near the 150 Metres. Over the concluding stages, STRATHSPEY raced tight inside BINGO which shifted in after being awkwardly placed inside GALLANT RETURN. When questioned regarding the performance of LUCKY MASTER, Apprentice H N Wong stated that he was asked to try and lead on LUCKY MASTER. He said, unlike at its last start, the pace of the race in the early stages was quick and when a number of horses which were better drawn than LUCKY MASTER were hard ridden to obtain forward positions, he elected to steady LUCKY MASTER and obtain a trailing position passing the 1100 Metres. He said LUCKY MASTER travelled well behind runners, however, in the Straight finished off the race only one-paced. He added whilst LUCKY MASTER may have appeared disappointing, the circumstances of the race, in particular the tempo in the early stages, were very different from that of last start when the horse was able to obtain an uncontested lead. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY MASTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY MASTER, FANTASTIC SHOW and GALLANT RETURN were sent for sampling. <10/7/2017 Additional Veterinary Report>LUCKY MASTER, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. LUCKY MASTER was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer R Gibson 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, LUCKY MASTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.