24/01/2018  Shatin  Race 1

WHISTLE UP was withdrawn on 23.1.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter G-ONE UNION (P-C Boudot). Before being allowed to race again, WHISTLE UP will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MASSIVE MILLENNIUM, which was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin. HELLO KIMBERLEY began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped GOLDEN DEER. HELLO KIMBERLEY was then buffeted for some distance between GOLDEN DEER and DYNAMIC LIONS, both of which shifted ground. After this, HELLO KIMBERLEY failed to muster speed despite being hard ridden in the early and middle stages. RUGBY DIAMOND and GREAT TOPLIGHT bumped at the start. Passing the 900 Metres, DYNAMIC LIONS travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HELEN’S CHOICE. Making the turn after the 700 Metres, G-ONE UNION got its head on the side and lay out. At the entrance to the Straight, FANTASTIC FABIO was shifted out away from the heels of HELEN’S CHOICE (C Y Ho) which shifted out to obtain clear running. C Y Ho was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Throughout the race, GREAT TOPLIGHT travelled wide and without cover. P-C Boudot, the rider of the 4th placegetter, G-ONE UNION, was again reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding the performance of FANTASTIC FABIO, Z Purton stated that after beginning awkwardly he had to ride his mount along in the early stages in an attempt to obtain a forward position as instructed. He said, despite being hard ridden, FANTASTIC FABIO did not show early speed and then after the 800 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. He added FANTASTIC FABIO travelled only fairly in the run and then did not finish off the race as anticipated. A veterinary inspection of FANTASTIC FABIO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of DYNAMIC LIONS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HELLO KIMBERLEY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. FANTASTIC FABIO, HELEN’S CHOICE and RUGBY DIAMOND were sent for sampling.