10/04/2016  Shatin  Race 8

SELKIRK STAR shifted out at the start and bumped SUPER FORM which became unbalanced. TRIUMPHANT DRAGON began awkwardly and shifted in, resulting in GONNA RUN being crowded for room. FLARING SPEED began awkwardly. GENERAL SHERMAN began awkwardly and then, despite being aggressively ridden along in the early stages, became detached from the field. Passing the 1200 Metres, SELKIRK STAR raced tight inside SUPER FORM which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TRIUMPHANT DRAGON which shifted in when just clear. After the 900 Metres, OUR GENERATION was left racing wide and without cover. OUR GENERATION lost its right front plate rounding the Home Turn. GONNA RUN had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 300 Metres, LUCKY GIRL was hampered when momentarily crowded for room inside HAPPY CONTENDER which shifted in before being directed back out. The performance of SUPER FORM, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER FORM 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 C Leung stated that he had been asked to ride LEADING HORSE in a forward position but to allow it to use its natural early speed to assume this position rather than ride it along. He said as the race was being run over 1800 Metres, it was believed that there was a good opportunity for LEADING HORSE to be able to take up a forward position without having to be made use of which would therefore allow the horse the best opportunity to finish off the race. He said in the early and middle stages the tempo of the race was strong and he believed that to cross runners to his inside would have required him to ride LEADING HORSE aggressively as was the case with the leader PO CHING TREASURE. He said, given the tempo of the race, he believed it was in LEADING HORSE's best interests for it not to be pressed forward to obtain a position closer to the rail albeit that this required LEADING HORSE to travel three wide and without cover for the majority of the race. After having considered the relevant sectionals of the race, the Stewards accepted that it was run at a solid tempo and accordingly no further action was taken. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SELKIRK STAR was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SELKIRK STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME PROFIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MCQUEEN and LUCKY GIRL were sent for sampling.