16/05/2018  Happy Valley  Race 5

After beginning very awkwardly from the outside barrier, DR RACE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. HONEST HORSE and TOP STRIKE were also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 750 Metres, FOX SUNTER was steadied away from the heels of SUPER EIGHTEEN (Apprentice C Wong) which shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice Wong was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is fully clear before shifting ground. Rounding the Home Turn, PEOPLE’S CHAMPION was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ADONIS. FOX SUNTER got its head on the side and made the Home Turn awkwardly. At the entrance to the Straight, DR RACE became awkward on the heels of APPLAUSE. When questioned, Apprentice C Wong stated that SUPER EIGHTEEN came under pressure immediately upon straightening and then its action deteriorated badly in the Straight as it weakened. A veterinary inspection of SUPER EIGHTEEN immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and was also found to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER EIGHTEEN will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, K C Leung stated that PEOPLE’S CHAMPION had been ridden patiently at its previous two runs from wide barriers, however, from barrier 2 in tonight’s race, he was asked to make use of the good draw and take up a prominent position. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along and was able to assume the box seat behind the leader ADONIS. He said PEOPLE’S CHAMPION travelled reasonably well throughout the event, however, after becoming awkward on the heels of ADONIS on the Home Turn, PEOPLE’S CHAMPION then did not close off the race as expected and was disappointing. He added that, in his opinion, PEOPLE’S CHAMPION, due to its inexperience, may not have appreciated being ridden along in the early stages and this accounted for its disappointing run. A veterinary inspection of PEOPLE’S CHAMPION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FOX SUNTER had bled from both nostrils. As this was the third occasion on which FOX SUNTER was found to have bled, that horse will be compulsorily retired. A veterinary inspection of ADONIS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FOX SUNTER, GOOD FOR YOU and PEACE N PROSPERITY were sent for sampling.