10/09/2017  Shatin  Race 4

On entering the track, FAITHFUL BOY lost its right front plate. On arrival at the barriers. FAITHFUL BOY was replated and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was suitable to race. STRIKING STAR began only fairly. FAITHFUL BOY shifted in at the start and bumped FURIOUS PEGASUS which became unbalanced and in turn shifted in and bumped WHISTLE UP. From a wide barrier, JOLLY AMBER was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. In the early stages, WINGOLD got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover. WINGOLD however was left racing wide and without cover after the 1100 Metres, continued to travel keenly and raced with its head on the side. After the 1000 Metres, WINGOLD was allowed to improve its position, however, continued to race wide and without cover and travelled keenly throughout the middle stages. After the 1300 Metres, STARRY STARLIES proved difficult to settle when being steadied to obtain cover. After obtaining cover behind WINGOLD after the 1100 Metres, STARRY STARLIES then continued to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of WINGOLD near the 1000 Metres. After this, STARRY STARLIES continued to prove difficult to settle and shifted out away from the heels of WINGOLD, resulting in STARRY STARLIES racing four wide and without cover until after the 800 Metres at which time the horse was able to resume its position behind WINGOLD. For a considerable distance after the 1100 Metres, STRIKING STAR proved very difficult to settle and got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of LE PEGASE. GOOD METHOD was unable to obtain clear running from after entering the Straight until approaching the 200 Metres. When questioned, Apprentice H N Wong stated that, from the outside barrier, it was felt that FAITHFUL BOY would not have sufficient speed to cross runners to its inside to take up a forward position due to today’s race being run over 1400 Metres which is short of the distances at which the horse performed best in the past. He said he was therefore asked to shift FAITHFUL BOY across behind runners in the early stages. He added it was anticipated that the race would be run at a stronger tempo than what eventuated as the race was slowly run in the early stages. He said this resulted in FAITHFUL BOY proving difficult to settle after the 1000 Metres and getting its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of FURIOUS PEGASUS. A veterinary inspection of FURIOUS PEGASUS immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. FURIOUS PEGASUS, TELECOM BOOM and GOOD METHOD were sent for sampling.