05/10/2014  Shatin  Race 6

After leaving the Parade Ring, the tongue tie fitted to EXAGGERATION was refitted. GLACIER BLUE shifted in at the start and bumped VARA PEARL. Then shortly after the start, GLACIER BLUE was momentarily crowded for room between MIGHTY EQUUS and VARA PEARL which shifted out after becoming unbalanced. In the early stages, despite being vigorously ridden, MIGHTY EQUUS failed to muster speed. At the 900 Metres, JUST MISTERE commenced to prove difficult to settle and got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of VARA PEARL which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BLACK STAR. Passing the 900 Metres, HOUSE OF LUCK was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SECRET AGENT. After the 900 Metres, DRAGON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SENSATION. Near the 750 Metres, SECRET AGENT got its head up when awkwardly placed behind BEAUTY KING. After the 700 Metres, SENSATION was steadied away from the heels of CELESTIAL SMILE. DRAGON, which was following, was checked away from the heels of SENSATION in consequence. Approaching the 600 Metres, VARA PEARL was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CELESTIAL SMILE. Passing the 400 Metres, DRAGON was steadied away from the heels of VARA PEARL (N Callan) which shifted out. N Callan was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Also passing the 400 Metres, MIGHTY EQUUS was shifted in away from the heels of HOUSE OF LUCK. Prior to the declaration of weighed-in, Mr C S Shum, the trainer of SPEEDY LONGWAH, made an application to the Stewards for that horse to be declared a non-runner. After taking evidence from Mr Shum, M L Yeung, the rider of SPEEDY LONGWAH, and Mr T McGovern, the Starter, the Stewards found that just prior to the start being effected SPEEDY LONGWAH became fractious and reared, resulting in the horse losing ground. The Stewards also found that during this incident the starting gate handler was attempting to assist SPEEDY LONGWAH and he released the horse in a timely manner given that it was in the act of rearing up. As the Stewards believed that SPEEDY LONGWAH had been afforded a fair start, the horse was declared a runner. Before being allowed to race again, SPEEDY LONGWAH will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SENSATION had sustained a cut to the left hind leg. A veterinary inspection of JUST MISTERE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SENSATION, CELESTIAL SMILE and BEAUTY KING were sent for sampling.