28/01/2018  Shatin  Race 9

K Teetan (HAPPILABABY) was fined the sum of $2,000 for failing to present himself in the Parade Ring by the required time. LUCKY GIRL was slow to begin and then was crowded for room on jumping between CIRCUIT GLORY and CONSORT, both of which shifted ground. CHEERFUL GIGGLES and LAST KINGDOM bumped shortly after the start. CHEERFUL GIGGLES was then crowded for room between LAST KINGDOM and GENERAL SHERMAN which began awkwardly and shifted out abruptly. In this incident, LAST KINGDOM became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by CHEERFUL GIGGLES. After initially being ridden along, HARBOUR MASTER was shifted across behind runners shortly after the start. From the outside barrier, RATTAN was shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. For some distance after the 1700 Metres, LAST KINGDOM got its head up repeatedly when proving very difficult to settle. For some distance in the early and middle stages, CIRCUIT GLORY travelled keenly and got its head up when being steadied in an attempt to obtain cover. For some distance after the 1300 Metres, CONSORT travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPEEDY LONGWAH. CONSORT was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight. LUCKY GIRL was held up for clear running until near the 300 Metres. After the 200 Metres, ROCKETEER shifted out under pressure and raced tight against RATTAN. Passing the 50 Metres, ROCKETEER was momentarily steadied away from the heels of RATTAN (C Schofield) which shifted in a considerable distance under pressure. C Schofield was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is mindful of his mounts shifting ground when under pressure. Close to the finishing line, LUCKY GIRL was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPILABABY. Throughout the race, HAPPILABABY travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of HARBOUR MASTER and CONSORT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SPEEDY LONGWAH immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. The performances of HARBOUR MASTER and SPEEDY LONGWAH, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HARBOUR MASTER and SPEEDY LONGWAH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SERGEANT TITANIUM and RATTAN were sent for sampling.