02/02/2019  Shatin  Race 8

SUPER MAN was withdrawn on 1.2.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore right fore tendon) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter TURF SPRINT (W M Lai). Before being allowed to race again, SUPER MAN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. KIRAM stumbled at the start. MY ALLY also stumbled on jumping and then became unbalanced after being bumped by ELITE BOY. MONGOLIAN LEGEND shifted out at the start and bumped UNICRON JEWELLERY. From wide barriers, IMPERIAL CONCORDE and MR PICASSO were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. At the 1400 Metres, TANG FLEMING shifted in and bumped TOP LAURELS. Passing the 450 Metres, TOP LAURELS and MY ALLY raced tight between TANG FLEMING and VIVA COUNCIL which shifted out. In the early part of the Straight, ZHAN JIANG ROCKS was shifted in away from the heels of VOLPINO which was momentarily held up for clear running. After being shifted to the inside of VOLPINO, ZHAN JIANG ROCKS was awkwardly placed outside IMPERIAL CONCORDE passing the 350 Metres as that horse shifted out to obtain clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, MONGOLIAN LEGEND shifted out under pressure, resulting in its rider having to stop riding and straighten his mount. Passing the 100 Metres and again close to the finishing line, UNICRON JEWELLERY shifted out and made contact with KIRAM. For the majority of the race, MONGOLIAN LEGEND travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in as incidents occurred over about the final 100 Metres which cast doubt on whether IMPERIAL CONCORDE should be declared the winner. It was found that at the 100 Metres IMPERIAL CONCORDE shifted out and brushed VOLPINO (U Rispoli), inconveniencing that horse. Then close to the finishing line, IMPERIAL CONCORDE shifted out and made contact with VOLPINO, however, this contact occurred very close to the finishing line and therefore was of no consequence to the finishing result. The Stewards were satisfied that the inconvenience to VOLPINO near the 100 Metres also had no bearing on the finishing position of the two horses and accordingly weighed-in was declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge. Whilst it did not have any bearing on the Stewards’ decision, it should be noted that U Rispoli did not lodge a protest/objection against IMPERIAL CONCORDE after having viewed the video. A veterinary inspection of MY ALLY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of TANG FLEMING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. TOP LAURELS, IMPERIAL CONCORDE and VOLPINO were sent for sampling.