29/12/2018  Shatin  Race 4

SINCERE HORSE began awkwardly and then was crowded for room between AMBITIOUS SPEEDY and JOLLY AMBER which shifted out. This resulted in SINCERE HORSE losing ground. From a wide barrier, NEVER BETTER was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When being steadied in an attempt to obtain cover, ALCAZAR commenced to travel keenly and got its head up passing the 1300 Metres. Approaching and passing the 400 Metres, AMBITIOUS SPEEDY and ALCAZAR raced tight as AMBITIOUS SPEEDY attempted to improve between ALCAZAR and TRIUMPHANT LIGHT. THE SHOW had difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 400 Metres and then after obtaining a run near the 300 Metres raced tight between SHINING BRIGHT and ROYAL PREROGATIVE which shifted in marginally when commencing to give ground. After the 200 Metres, SINCERE HORSE was directed to the outside of JOYFUL FOREVER to obtain clear running. Near the 50 Metres, ROCKAGE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of NATURAL FLARE. Throughout the race, TRIUMPHANT LIGHT travelled wide and without cover. After the race, C Y Ho (SHINING BRIGHT) reported that his saddle shifted back rounding the Home Turn, causing him some inconvenience. When questioned regarding the performance of ROYAL PREROGATIVE, Z Purton stated that, in his opinion, the circumstances of the race did not suit the horse. He said when racing between SHINING BRIGHT and TRIUMPHANT LIGHT, ROYAL PREROGATIVE would not relax and because of this was then not able to respond to his riding when placed under pressure in the Straight. He said although ROYAL PREROGATIVE was awkwardly placed between runners approaching the 200 Metres, the horse was well beaten at this time and did not have a bearing on its finishing position. The performance of ROYAL PREROGATIVE, favourite for this race and which finished last, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ROYAL PREROGATIVE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of ROYAL PREROGATIVE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea and also found it to be lame in its left front leg. ROYAL PREROGATIVE, MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR and ALCAZAR were sent for sampling.