19/12/2015  Shatin  Race 1

LE PEGASE was crowded for room on jumping between BERNARD'S CHOICE and EAGLE KING which was taken in by SURREAL which began awkwardly. In this incident, EAGLE KING became badly unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by LE PEGASE. SEASONS KING shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of DOUBLE POINT. After initially being ridden along to obtain a forward position from the outside barrier, BETTER ANNOUNCE was steadied after the 1200 Metres and shifted across behind runners to obtain a position with cover. Approaching the 1100 Metres, SNOWHOOVES was crowded for room between BERNARD'S CHOICE and BRILLIANT MONKEYS which got its head on the side and shifted out away from the heels of GOLDWEAVER. JOY TOGETHER had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and approaching the 300 Metres was steadied when unable to progress between SAFARI MAGIC and GOLDWEAVER. A short distance after this, JOY TOGETHER was shifted to the inside of SAFARI MAGIC to obtain clear running. The performance of HEY PRANCER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HEY PRANCER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, K Teetan stated that as SEASONS KING has a history of hanging out in its races, he was asked to allow the horse to race where it was comfortable but not to restrain it at any stage as it was felt that the horse is more inclined to hang out when undue pressure is placed on its mouth. He said SEASONS KING began very well and he allowed the horse to obtain a prominent position rather than fighting against it. He said this resulted in SEASONS KING being left racing three wide in a forward position. He added as soon as SEASONS KING commenced to make the turn near the 900 Metres, the horse immediately commenced to lay out and then proved difficult to turn until entering the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection of SEASONS KING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BRILLIANT MONKEYS and SAFARI MAGIC were sent for sampling.