22/06/2014  Shatin  Race 8

EN CIVIL shifted in at the start and bumped KIROV. YOU READ MY MIND began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped BOTH SURE. BRAVE BROTHER was ridden along in the early stages, however, after the 1100 Metres was left racing wide and was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. At the 700 Metres, BRAVE BROTHER was momentarily awkwardly placed between BOTH SURE and NEW STAMINA. Rounding the Home Turn, BOTH SURE and NEW STAMINA raced tight as NEW STAMINA shifted out into clear running. Passing the 300 Metres, SHARP HUNTER, which was giving ground, was steadied away from the heels of SPARKLING B (N Callan) which shifted out. KIROV, which was following SHARP HUNTER, was hampered in consequence. Then approaching the 200 Metres, NEW STAMINA shifted out away from the heels of SPARKLING B which continued to shift ground. N Callan was reprimanded and advised that he must ensure he is sufficiently clear of other runners when shifting ground in future. Close to the finishing line, BRAVE BROTHER was steadied away from the heels of NEW STAMINA (Z Purton) which shifted in under pressure. Z Purton was advised to exercise more care. Throughout the race, FARM PERFECT travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of FARM PERFECT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FARM PERFECT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. YOU READ MY MIND also travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. When questioned regarding the performance of SHARP HUNTER, D Whyte stated that his mount travelled satisfactorily in a good position in midfield throughout the race. He said although he had to ride his mount along after the 700 Metres to maintain its position, he was not concerned at this time as SHARP HUNTER still appeared to travel well. He said however that rounding the Home Turn he placed SHARP HUNTER under heavy pressure and it did not respond. He said although SHARP HUNTER had to be steadied away from the heels of SPARKLING B when that horse shifted out passing the 300 Metres, SHARP HUNTER was already giving ground at this time and was most disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race in the Straight. He added he had ridden SHARP HUNTER in the lead up to today’s race and believed that the horse had maintained its form following its last start success. A veterinary inspection of SHARP HUNTER immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of SHARP HUNTER, a last start winner and which finished second last in the race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SHARP HUNTER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of BOTH SURE and YOU READ MY MIND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SHARP HUNTER, SPARKLING B and NEW STAMINA were sent for sampling. <23/6/2014 Additional Veterinary Reports>YOU READ MY MIND, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. YOU READ MY MIND was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer D Cruz this morning. He said at this time he found the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, YOU READ MY MIND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.