28/02/2018  Shatin  Race 4

GOAL FOR GOLD shifted out at the start and brushed SPARKLING SWORD. After this, despite being hard ridden for a considerable distance in the early stages, SPARKLING SWORD failed to muster speed and near the 1600 Metres shifted out and became unbalanced when awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHATER THUNDER. From a wide barrier, CROWN AVENUE was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Also from wide barriers, QUICK RETURN and SPEEDY WALLY were steadied to obtain cover. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, GOOD FIT was severely checked when crowded for room inside SPARKLING SWORD (Apprentice H N Wong) which, despite the efforts of its rider, got its head on the side and hung in away from BEST EFFORT. QUICK RETURN, which was following GOOD FIT, was severely checked away from the heels of that horse in consequence. As the Stewards were satisfied that Apprentice Wong was making sufficient endeavour to prevent his mount from shifting in and causing crowding to GOOD FIT, no further action was taken. Making the turn near the 700 Metres, MI BLANCO shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of LET US WIN which was also inclined to lay in. Passing the 400 Metres, BEST EFFORT and LET US WIN raced tight. Passing the 300 Metres, MI BLANCO shifted out and brushed CROWN AVENUE. SEMPITERNAL was not able to obtain clear running at any stage in the Straight and consequently was not able to be tested. Throughout the race, REMARKABLE travelled wide and without cover. Also throughout the race, SPEEDY WALLY travelled wide and without cover and subsequently finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of SPEEDY WALLY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. The performance of SPEEDY WALLY was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SPEEDY WALLY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, M L Yeung expressed concern regarding the action of BEST EFFORT. A veterinary inspection of BEST EFFORT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, BEST EFFORT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of QUICK RETURN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. REMARKABLE and LET US WIN were sent for sampling. <1/3/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>After the race, BEST EFFORT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. BEST EFFORT was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A Lee this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. As previously advised, BEST EFFORT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.