15/12/2013  Shatin  Race 6

Prior to being loaded, the tongue tie applied to LUCKY GAINS was refitted. JOLLY POSH was checked on jumping when crowded for room between AMAZING ALWAYS and COUNTRY CHARM which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. CLUB LIFE began awkwardly and shifted out at the start, resulting in HOW SPEEDY being crowded for room inside KYNAM which also shifted in slightly. ASCENSION began only fairly. Passing the 1300 Metres, FASTER MORE shifted out away from the heels of PRINCE OF SUNSHINE. In the early and middle stages, CLUB LIFE got its head on the side and lay away from the running rail. ASCENSION hung out making the first turn near the 900 Metres. Near the 650 Metres, ROBUST MOMENTUM and LUCKY GAINS bumped. At the 600 Metres, AMAZING ALWAYS was steadied when momentarily racing tight inside FASTER MORE which was awkwardly placed inside the heels of ASCENSION. Passing the 400 Metres, COUNTRY CHARM was bumped by CLUB LIFE which shifted to the outside of HINYUEN PALADIN into clear running. Passing the 250 Metres, AMAZING ALWAYS was shifted to the inside of QUEEN’S WHISTLE after being disappointed for running between that horse which shifted out and COUNTRY CHARM which was giving ground. Near the 50 Metres, CLUB LIFE and HOW SPEEDY raced tight. After the race, G Mosse stated that OUR MARCUS did not feel comfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of OUR MARCUS, which finished tailed out, immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of OUR MARCUS was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, OUR MARCUS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Z Purton stated that LUCKY GAINS did not travel well at any stage of the race and despite being placed under pressure rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight gave ground noticeably over the concluding stages. He said, in his opinion, LUCKY GAINS may not have handled today’s track surface. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY GAINS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on JOLLY POSH at the request of Trainer C S Shum. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse's trachea. CLUB LIFE and HOW SPEEDY were sent for sampling.