25/05/2014  Shatin  Race 11

As the start was effected, SEA DIAMOND lifted its front feet off the ground and then became unbalanced after being bumped by NEW VISION which shifted out after beginning awkwardly. A short distance after the start, SEA DIAMOND and BRIGHT STRIKE were crowded for room between NEW VISION which continued to shift out and VICTORY MASTER which shifted in. IMPERIAL ROME began only fairly. Near the 1300 Metres, SEA DIAMOND and BRIGHT STRIKE were crowded for room between VICTORY MASTER which shifted in marginally and NEW VISION which was taken out by ROMAN SOLDIER which became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by NEW VISION. When VICTORY MASTER was shifted out to relieve the tightening to SEA DIAMOND and BRIGHT STRIKE passing the 1300 Metres, GREAT SPIRIT was steadied away from the heels of that horse. BULLISH BOY lost its left front plate at the 1300 Metres. Passing the 800 Metres, BRIGHT STRIKE was steadied when briefly racing tight between SEA DIAMOND which got its head on the side and shifted out and IMPERIAL ROME. Rounding the Home Turn, GREAT SPIRIT and VICTORY MASTER raced tight as GREAT SPIRIT was shifting out to the outside of NEW VISION when awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. At the 300 Metres, GREAT SPIRIT was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of VICTORY MASTER which shifted in. Throughout the race, SICHUAN VIGOUR and PRESIDENT LINCOLN travelled wide and without cover. The performance of NEW VISION, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, NEW VISION 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 DR GOOD HABIT, J Moreira stated that he had to make far more use of DR GOOD HABIT in the early stages to cross runners to his inside than had been hoped. He said it was felt that, from a wide barrier, DR GOOD HABIT would be left racing wide were it not to be ridden forward, therefore he was asked to be positive on his mount in the early stages. He said after having to ride DR GOOD HABIT along for some distance approaching the 1200 Metres, he then had to make more use of the horse after the 1000 Metres to cross FABULOUS NOVEMBER to his inside and to race outside BULLISH BOY. He added after this DR GOOD HABIT travelled only fairly and in the Straight gave ground. He said however that, in his opinion, today’s poor performance could be attributed to the amount of work he had to do on DR GOOD HABIT in the early and middle stages. A veterinary inspection of DR GOOD HABIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DR GOOD HABIT, SICHUAN VIGOUR and VICTORY MASTER were sent for sampling.