27/04/2014  Shatin  Race 2

FLORAL MAN and LUCKY DAN bumped at the start. DRAGON, which began only fairly, was shifted across towards the rail after being crowded for room between SPIRIT SOARING and KISSMET. From the outside barrier, FIERY FOUR BY FOUR was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 1500 Metres, SPIRIT SOARING was bumped and taken wider by DOUBLE DRAGON which got its head on the side and shifted out. RISING POWER got its head up for some distance after the 1400 Metres when proving difficult to settle. At the 1200 Metres, FIERY FOUR BY FOUR became unbalanced when being checked away from the heels of DRAGON. HELENE FUN STAR lost its left front plate at the 900 Metres. Rounding the Home Turn, CRIMSON HEART and HELENE FUN STAR raced tight as CRIMSON HEART shifted out into clear running. SPIRIT SOARING, which was following HELENE FUN STAR, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse in consequence. ZACHARY was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. DEMOKLES was badly held up for clear running until just prior to the 200 Metres. Over the final 200 Metres, ROYALE ELEGANCE got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. FIERY FOUR BY FOUR, which was eased down over the final 200 Metres, collapsed after passing the winning post. When questioned, D Whyte stated that despite being vigorously ridden in the early and middle stages, FLORAL MAN did not stretch out at any stage and became detached from the field in the early stage. He said he was unable to identify any issues associated with FLORAL MAN as the horse throughout the race appeared sound. He said for this reason he kept riding his mount along in the hope that it would finish off the race, however, FLORAL MAN did not respond to his riding. Mr C S Shum, the trainer of FLORAL MAN, stated that he was satisfied with the trial of FLORAL MAN in the lead up to today’s race and was particularly happy with the manner in which the horse worked on the 1800 Metre gallop on 24 April 2014. He said because of the strong work of FLORAL MAN leading up to today’s race, he considered the horse to be a good chance and was unable to offer any explanation for its disappointing performance given that the Veterinary Officers were unable to detect any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FLORAL MAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of FLORAL MAN was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FLORAL MAN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. KISSMET, ROYALE ELEGANCE and ZACHARY were sent for sampling.