29/12/2013  Shatin  Race 11

VICTORY HEART began only fairly. From wide barriers, CREATIVE WINNER and JAZZY FEELING were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For some distance after the 1000 Metres, VICTORY HEART proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLAME HERO. After the 900 Metres, PRINCIPAL was left racing wide and without cover. VICTORY HEART was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and then near the 100 Metres was shifted to the outside of SICHUAN EXEC when disappointed for running to the inside of that horse. Near the 200 Metres, FLAME HERO was shifted to the outside of PRINCIPAL after being disappointed for running between that horse and SICHUAN EXEC. CANNY FRANCO and HELENE FUN STAR travelled wide and without cover for the majority of the race. The Stewards opened an inquiry into the reason for CHOK CHOK falling near the 150 Metres and M L Yeung being dislodged from that horse. Evidence was taken from C Y Ho (MIGHTY K), N Callan (GO GO WIN) and D Whyte (HOLMES LEGEND). Evidence was not able to be taken from Jockey Yeung as he was transported to hospital. After taking evidence from the riders available and after viewing the videos of the incident, the Stewards adjourned the inquiry until a date to be fixed to allow Jockey Yeung to give evidence. When CHOK CHOK fell, HOLYANGELHOLY was severely checked in consequence as it attempted to avoid the fallen CHOK CHOK and was eased out of the race over the concluding stages. CANNY FRANCO shifted out abruptly away from the fallen CHOK CHOK and in doing so badly hampered HELENE FUN STAR. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CANNY FRANCO had sustained a laceration to the left front tendon. Before being allowed to race again, CANNY FRANCO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SICHUAN EXEC and PRINCIPAL were sent for sampling.