01/07/2014  Shatin  Race 1

When preparing to mount RAGING BULL in the Parade Ring, B Prebble was kicked by that runner. B Prebble was examined by the Club’s medical officers and passed fit to ride. After being loaded, HAPPY FRIENDSHIP became fractious, reared and got its front legs over the front gates. HAPPY FRIENDSHIP was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse had sustained cuts to both front legs and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of HAPPY FRIENDSHIP. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY FRIENDSHIP will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SO CAFFE, WATCH KING and SUM WIN DRAGON began only fairly. JOYEUX, DASHING FELLOW and GREAT SPEED were all crowded for room on jumping between RAGING BULL which shifted out and SENSIBLE CHOICE (W M Lai) which shifted in. W M Lai was reminded of his obligation to ensure that he does not ride his mount in such a manner so as to cause crowding to other runners. W M Lai was further advised that he had been spoken to previously this season in regards to similar riding. In the early and middle stages, CHEERFUL FRAME raced very greenly and after the 1000 Metres got its head on the side and made the first turn after the 900 Metres very wide. The racing manners of CHEERFUL FRAME were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CHEERFUL FRAME will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial around a bend. After the 1000 Metres, WATCH KING shifted in abruptly towards the running rail and became unbalanced. Rounding the Home Turn, RAGING BULL got its head on the side and lay out. FOTOGENIC had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 200 Metres, DASHING FELLOW was shifted to the inside of JOYEUX after being held up for clear running behind that horse when disappointed for running between JOYEUX and MIGHTY WONGCHOY. Throughout the race, RAGING BULL travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of FRESH AND FRESH, A Suborics stated that the horse, which was dropping back in distance from 1400 Metres to 1200 Metres, was unable to lead as it did at its most recent start when successful. He said he had to make a lot of use of FRESH AND FRESH in the early stages in an attempt to lead, however, SENSIBLE CHOICE showed more speed than FRESH AND FRESH and he had no option but to allow that horse to cross FRESH AND FRESH near the 900 Metres when racing outside JUST ACE. He said although he was not able to lead, FRESH AND FRESH travelled satisfactorily until rounding the Home Turn at which time the horse immediately came under pressure. He added FRESH AND FRESH, despite being ridden along, gave ground noticeably from the 400 Metres and was very disappointing. A veterinary inspection of FRESH AND FRESH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of FRESH AND FRESH, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FRESH AND FRESH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of JUST ACE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SO CAFFE and FOTOGENIC were sent for sampling.