01/11/2017  Shatin  Race 8

VICTORY MARVEL lost its right front plate shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, ANDOYAS was eased away from the heels of VICTORY MARVEL which shifted in after being bumped by PEOPLE’S KNIGHT. Also shortly after the start, EASTERN EXPRESS (Z Purton) stumbled badly. Z Purton stated that he was unable to establish what occurred at this time, however, it was likely that EASTERN EXPRESS overreached which resulted in the horse becoming badly unbalanced. He said after this EASTERN EXPRESS travelled well and then finished off the race strongly and accordingly the incident at the start did not appear to adversely affect the horse. A veterinary inspection of EASTERN EXPRESS immediately following the race had sustained a small overreach wound to the left front leg. From wide barriers, FRIENDS OF KA YING and STAR OF YAN OI were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, K C Leung (SALTO OLIMPICO) adjusted his right foot in the stirrup iron. Passing the 1100 Metres, VICTORY MARVEL, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PEOPLE’S KNIGHT. Close to the finishing line, BABA MAMA was shifted in away from the heels of KING GENKI to continue improving. Throughout the race, PACKING DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. The performances of SALTO OLIMPICO, STAR OF YAN OI and LIONROCKSPIRIT, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SALTO OLIMPICO, STAR OF YAN OI and LIONROCKSPIRIT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CLASSIC EMPEROR and DIVINE BOY were sent for sampling.