19/04/2015  Shatin  Race 6

When leaving the Parade Ring, HARBOUR DELIGHT lost its right hind plate, requiring the horse to be replated. On arrival at the Start, HARBOUR DELIGHT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said it was suitable to race. From wide barriers, DASHING SUPER, KEEN TACTICS and HOXO were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1400 Metres, TRUE COMMENT got its head on the side, hung out and lost ground. After this, TRUE COMMENT continued to hang out and travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of TRUE COMMENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of TRUE COMMENT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TRUE COMMENT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. N Rawiller (KIROV) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of MODERN FORTUNE, causing that horse to be severely checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. N Rawiller was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 7 May 2015 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday, 26 April 2015. Near the 550 Metres, MODERN FORTUNE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of JOLLY GOOD STAR. At the 400 Metres, GLORIOUS RYDER, when being shifted to the outside of HARBOUR DELIGHT which was giving ground abruptly, clipped the heels of that horse and blundered badly. At the 300 Metres, JOLLY GOOD STAR, which was giving ground, was momentarily steadied away from the heels of HOXO which shifted out. In the Straight, HAPPY MOMENTS raced with its head on the side and lay out under pressure. Throughout the race, HARBOUR DELIGHT travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of HARBOUR DELIGHT immediately following the race revealed the horse to have bled from both nostrils. When questioned, N Rawiller stated that he was unable to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of KIROV. He said the horse travelled very well in the early and middle stages and he expected it to finish off strongly, however, KIROV came under pressure near the 600 Metres and then was most disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding thereafter. He said he had ridden the horse in work in the lead up to today’s race and that work had been good and as such a forward showing was expected today. He added the manner in which KIROV gave ground in the Straight indicated to him that the horse may have been experiencing some internal issues. A veterinary inspection of KIROV immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of KIROV, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, KIROV 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 JOLLY GOOD STAR and GLORIOUS RYDER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performances of JOLLY GOOD STAR and GLORIOUS RYDER, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, JOLLY GOOD STAR and GLORIOUS RYDER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CONFUCIUS ELITE, HOXO and DASHING SUPER were sent for sampling.