14/12/2014  Shatin  Race 1

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that WONDERFUL MOMENTS had a small quantity of blood in the mouth. An examination of WONDERFUL MOMENTS by the Veterinary Officer found that horse to be suitable to race. DUNDONNELL, which was leaning on the outside of its stall as the start was effected, began awkwardly. Near the 100 Metres, WONDERFUL MOMENTS, which was shifting out under pressure, became unbalanced after becoming awkwardly placed inside the heels of DUNDONNELL. When questioned, Apprentice K C Ng (WINNING LEADER) stated that approaching the 200 Metres as a run was not available between BEAUTY FLAME and WONDERFUL MOMENTS, he directed his mount to the outside of the heels of WONDERFUL MOMENTS and committed WINNING LEADER to obtaining running to the outside of that horse and behind the eventual winner DUNDONNELL. He said as he did this WONDERFUL MOMENTS shifted out passing the 200 Metres, resulting in WINNING LEADER being awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. He added although a run became available between BEAUTY FLAME and WONDERFUL MOMENTS as a result of that horse shifting out, nonetheless he was committed to the run outside of WONDERFUL MOMENTS and he continued to allow WINNING LEADER to shift out into this run. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BEAUTY FLAME, M Chadwick stated that after beginning awkwardly, he was able to obtain the lead on BEAUTY FLAME, however, the horse did not settle as well as he hoped and was inclined to lay out away from the running rail. He said he placed BEAUTY FLAME under pressure in the Straight, however the horse was disappointing particularly over the concluding stages when it weakened out of the placings. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY FLAME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BEAUTY FLAME, DUNDONNELL and WINNING LEADER were sent for sampling.