07/12/2014  Shatin  Race 5

IMPERIAL CONCORDE was crowded for room on jumping between HOLY MAC and GLORIOUS AVENUE which was taken out by PRINCE OF SUNSHINE. HAPPY MOMENTS, which was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, YOUNG TALENT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When being steadied to obtain cover near the 1400 Metres, HOLY MAC got its head up on a number of occasions and proved difficult to settle. Passing the 1400 Metres, WIN ALONG was steadied away from the heels of JOLLY GOOD STAR. JUST ACE travelled wide and without cover until near the 1000 Metres. Near the 700 Metres, SKIP COURT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of REALLY THE BEST. After the 600 Metres, SKIP COURT was again awkwardly placed behind REALLY THE BEST which was racing close to the heels of JUST ACE for some distance as that horse was giving ground. Approaching the 500 Metres, IMPERIAL CONCORDE was checked away from the heels of SKIP COURT and shifted to the outside of that horse. Rounding the Home Turn, REALLY THE BEST was checked away from the heels of JUST ACE which continued to give ground. WIN ALONG, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence. The performance of JUST ACE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, JUST ACE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also rounding the Home Turn, YOUNG TALENT got its head on the side and lay out. Passing the 150 Metres, HAPPY MOMENTS shifted out under pressure. Near the 50 Metres, HAPPY MOMENTS shifted out and brushed IMPERIAL CONCORDE. HAPPY MOMENTS and IMPERIAL CONCORDE then raced tight and made contact on a number of occasions in the run to the finishing line. MEGA CHAMPION lay out under pressure in the Straight. For the majority of the race, GLORIOUS AVENUE travelled wide and without cover. U Rispoli (SKIP COURT) pleaded guilty to a charge of misconduct under Rule 155(5) in that he used improper language when in the vicinity of the Weighing Room following the running of this race. U Rispoli was fined the sum of $10,000. After the race, U Rispoli expressed concern over the horse’s action. A veterinary inspection of SKIP COURT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of WIN ALONG immediately following the race confirmed the horse to be a “roarer” which had previously been reported. AXIOM and IMPERIAL CONCORDE were sent for sampling.