28/01/2018  Shatin  Race 3

TRIUMPH lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and was slow to begin. PEOPLE’S CHAMPION sat back as the start was effected and consequently lost ground. GLITTERING ARMOUR was steadied shortly after the start when crowded for room between EIGHTY EIGHTY and NICE KICK which shifted out. From wide barriers, BINGO HERO and DEAL MAKER were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. In the early and middle stages, SHANGHAI DRAGON proved difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, GLITTERING ARMOUR shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of BOSSIEE which became badly unbalanced. BOSSIEE was then left racing very wide and without cover and consequently was allowed to improve its position, however, continued to race wide and without cover. Near the 600 Metres, SHANGHAI DRAGON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER EIGHTEEN. Approaching the 300 Metres, J Moreira (EIGHTY EIGHTY) dropped his whip. Near the 150 Metres, DEAL MAKER was shifted out away from the heels of TELECOM MAN and LUCKY LUCKY to continue improving. Over the concluding stages, LUCKY LUCKY and DEAL MAKER raced tight inside SUPER EIGHTEEN which got its head on the side and shifted in after initially being awkwardly placed inside the heels of BOSSIEE. For the majority of the race, NICE KICK travelled wide and without cover. After the race, A Badel was unable to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of LUCKY LUCKY. He said the horse was able to take up a forward position behind the leaders and travelled satisfactorily, however, came under pressure rounding the Home Turn and then was most disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY LUCKY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of TRIUMPH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of TRIUMPH, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TRIUMPH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. EIGHTY EIGHTY and NICE KICK were sent for sampling.