25/05/2014  Shatin  Race 5

As the start was effected, MR MARFACH stood flat-footed and lost ground. Before being allowed to race again, MR MARFACH will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. LOVING STAR and DRAGON BACHELOR bumped at the start. A short distance later, LOVING STAR was steadied when crowded for room between DRAGON BACHELOR and SUPER STRIKE which shifted in. From a wide barrier, HEI HEI POSH was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SPICY SIAM and OCEAN POWER raced tight. Passing the 1700 Metres, SURE CHAMP commenced to prove difficult to settle and shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER STRIKE. SURE CHAMP was consequently left racing without cover and after the 1600 Metres was allowed to stride forward, however, for the remainder of the race continued to race three wide and without cover. At the 600 Metres, SUPERKING DRAGON raced tight inside SPICY SIAM which got its head on the side and lay in. SPICY SIAM lost its right front plate passing the 600 Metres. Passing the 300 Metres, ROCK THE TREE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of OCEAN POWER. K C Leung (SURE CHAMP) dropped his whip near the 250 Metres. A veterinary inspection of SUPERKING DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUPERKING DRAGON, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPERKING DRAGON will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the performance of SURROUNDED, B Prebble stated that, in his opinion, today’s run was better than it first appeared. He said SURROUNDED was not suited by the manner in which the race was run which was in contrast to its most recent start when successful when the tempo of the race was quite good. He said further to this, the track surface today was firmer than at its last start and he believed that this is not to the horse’s liking. He said SURROUNDED, in his opinion, appreciates an even tempo in its races which was not the case today. A veterinary inspection of SURROUNDED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SURROUNDED, OCEAN POWER and SPICY SIAM were sent for sampling. <26/5/2014 Additional Veterinary Reports>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that MR MARFACH was lame in its right front leg with a swollen suspensory branch on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, MR MARFACH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.