01/07/2018  Shatin  Race 6

GREAT TREASURE was slow to begin. FLASH FAMOUS began only fairly. When being steadied in order to be shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier shortly after the start, DASHING DART was awkwardly placed outside THE CREATETH which shifted out after being bumped by MAGIC SUCCESS. Shortly after the start, RIGHTEOUS MATE was hampered by COOL ARMY which was bumped and taken wider by PICKEN which was taken out by FRESH POWER. After the 1100 Metres, COOL ARMY got its head on the side, hung in and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of FLASH FAMOUS. ROYAL MOJITO was badly held up for a run from on straightening until approaching the 300 Metres. ROYAL MOJITO again had difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 150 Metres. At the 400 Metres, VIVA COUNCIL got its head on the side, shifted out and made contact with PICKEN. Passing the 100 Metres, K C Leung (FLASH FAMOUS) dropped his left rein. Close to the finishing line, MAGIC SUCCESS was awkwardly placed outside PICKEN which shifted out under pressure. Consequently MAGIC SUCCESS was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. Throughout the race, THE CREATETH travelled wide and without cover. After the race, M Chadwick (VIVA COUNCIL) stated that whilst the horse had shown a propensity to hang out in its races, he believed that it lay out worse today than it had previously when ridden by him and then in the Straight did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of VIVA COUNCIL immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, VIVA COUNCIL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, H N Wong stated that with the head gear being removed from DOUBLE DOWN, it was hoped that, from the outside barrier, the horse may be able to obtain a position in about midfield with some cover. He said however that DOUBLE DOWN began far better than he expected and he felt that rather than restrain his mount, he should allow it to shift across to race outside the lead. He said he did not have to ride his mount vigorously to do so, rather DOUBLE DOWN was able to obtain the position outside the lead quite easily which resulted in it settling further forward in the field than had been anticipated. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on DOUBLE DOWN at the request of Trainer W Y So. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, DOUBLE DOWN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the improved performance of FLASH FAMOUS, Trainer F C Lor stated that whilst the horse was down in grade in today’s race, in his opinion, its improved performance could primarily be attributed to the addition of blinkers. He said following the horse’s disappointing performance last start, he had added blinkers to the horse for its track work and noticed an immediate improvement in the manner in which it worked. He said in preparation for today’s race, he trialed FLASH FAMOUS in blinkers and based on its showing in this trial he anticipated the horse would perform better in today’s race and advised the owners accordingly. A veterinary inspection of ROYAL MOJITO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PICKEN, FLASH FAMOUS and FRESH POWER were sent for sampling.