23/11/2014  Shatin  Race 7

SPALATO and PENIAPHOBIA bumped at the start. LUCKY NINE was crowded for room on jumping between SUPER JOCKEY and AEROVELOCITY, both of which shifted ground. Near the 750 Metres, SMART VOLATILITY was momentarily crowded for room between LUCKY NINE and PENIAPHOBIA (D Whyte) which shifted in marginally when racing outside the heels of SPALATO. D Whyte was advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. Rounding the Home Turn, SMART VOLATILITY was steadied when disappointed for running between PENIAPHOBIA and LUCKY NINE which shifted out. GOLDEN HARVEST had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. LUCKY NINE lost its right hind plate passing the 400 Metres. Passing the 350 Metres, AEROVELOCITY became unbalanced when attempting a run inside AMBER SKY where there was insufficient room. In this incident, AEROVELOCITY and SUPER JOCKEY made contact, causing both horses to become unbalanced. Near the 250 Metres, AEROVELOCITY was checked after endeavouring to obtain a run to the inside of AMBER SKY (M Demuro) which, after initially shifting out marginally, then shifted back in to resume its position. As the Stewards were of the opinion that the shift outwards from AMBER SKY was only slight and that they were not comfortably satisfied that that horse had assumed a position one horse off the fence, the Stewards therefore believed that AEROVELOCITY had not properly established running to the inside of AMBER SKY prior to that horse shifting back in. As a consequence, no further action was taken other than to advise M Demuro to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in future. Passing the 150 Metres, AEROVELOCITY was again held up for clear running behind AMBER SKY and passing the 100 Metres was checked when disappointed for running inside that horse where there was insufficient room. STERLING CITY was unable to obtain clear running over the final 300 Metres and consequently was not able to be tested. LUCKY NINE was badly held up for clear running until passing the 200 Metres. FLAGSHIP SHINE lost its left front plate near the 50 Metres. Throughout the race, PENIAPHOBIA travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SPALATO, J McDonald stated that although he had ridden his mount along in the early stages to obtain a forward position, from barrier 13, he was able to shift in to settle just off the speed but in a three wide position. He said after obtaining this position passing the 900 Metres, SPALATO then travelled well, however, in the early part of the Straight did not quicken as he thought it would and initially stayed on just one-paced. He added the particularly disappointing aspect of SPALATO’s run today was the manner in which it weakened out of the race over the final 200 Metres, a stage of the race where the horse had previously been strongest when he had ridden it before. He said whilst SPALATO weakened out of the race over the concluding stages, he believed this could not be attributed entirely to the horse being required to race three wide and without cover throughout. A veterinary inspection of SPALATO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The Stewards subsequently opened an inquiry into a report following the race that SPALATO had briefly exhibited a restricted action in its right hind leg in the stable prior to being presented to race. After taking evidence from Mr J O’Hara, the trainer of SPALATO, and Dr P Curl, Executive Manager, Veterinary Regulation, the inquiry was adjourned until a date to be fixed so that the Stewards could view the CCTV coverage of the horse’s stable block as well as receiving reports relative to follow-up veterinary examinations to be conducted on SPALATO. A veterinary inspection of STERLING CITY and AEROVELOCITY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AEROVELOCITY, PENIAPHOBIA and SMART VOLATILITY were sent for sampling. <24/11/2014 Additional Veterinary Report>SPALATO, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. SPALATO was again examined by the Veterinary Officer this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, SPALATO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.