18/11/2018  Shatin  Race 2

PLAY IT, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 17.11.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, PLAY IT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After being loaded into the barriers, SPICY KAKA became fractious and reared, resulting in the horse’s head making light contact with the overhead barrier partition. CHATER THUNDER and GRAN MASTER bumped at the start. KING KANALOA and QUICK RETURN also bumped on jumping. From the outside barrier, RIGHTEOUS MATE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1600 Metres, WHAMPOA STAR was steadied when crowded for room between TRAVEL FIRST which shifted in marginally and DIAMOND FRIENDS which shifted out after being bumped by GRAN MASTER. Approaching the 1600 Metres, SPICY KAKA shifted out and brushed the hindquarters of CHATER THUNDER. Making the turn after the 1200 Metres, GRAN MASTER was awkwardly placed behind CHATER THUNDER. TRAVEL FIRST travelled wide and without cover until near the 900 Metres at which stage the horse shifted in to race outside the lead. As a consequence, HONG KONG’S FOLKS was then left racing wide and without cover. Near the 450 Metres, QUICK RETURN got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of CHATER THUNDER after being disappointed for running between that horse which shifted out marginally and HONG KONG’S FOLKS. A veterinary inspection of CHATER THUNDER, QUICK RETURN and SPICY KAKA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GRAN MASTER and SUPERIOR BOY were sent for sampling.