05/11/2017  Shatin  Race 7

CONSORT was slow to begin. ROCKETEER lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and consequently began only fairly. ROCKETEER was then steadied away from the heels of MARVEL HERO shortly after the start when that horse was taken in by CIRCUIT LAND. Passing the 400 Metres, NASSA raced tight between HORSE OF FORTUNE and ROCKETEER. Passing the 200 Metres, ROCKETEER, which was laying out when giving ground, was momentarily steadied away from the heels of EAGLE WAY which shifted in. In the Straight, HELENE CHARISMA hung in and proved difficult to ride. Throughout the race, DOYENI travelled wide and without cover. After the race, K Teetan reported that ROCKETEER did not appear to appreciate today’s surface as the horse did not travel comfortably at any stage and in the Straight lay out under pressure. A veterinary inspection of ROCKETEER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, U Rispoli stated that he was asked to ride HARBOUR MASTER positively and, if possible, to lead the race if the tempo was not fast, however, if another horse was intent on leading, then he should position HARBOUR MASTER outside that horse. He said in accordance with his instructions, from a wide barrier, he rode HARBOUR MASTER along in the early stages and was able to clear runners to his inside passing the 1600 Metres. He said after the 1400 Metres he was able to shift in to race outside TIME WARP and as the tempo of the race was good, he elected to sit off that horse rather than to continue forward. The Stewards adjourned this matter until they are able to interview Mr J Moore, the trainer of HARBOUR MASTER, who was not present on course today. NASSA and TIME WARP were sent for sampling.