28/12/2014  Shatin  Race 9

Trainer P F Yiu was fined the sum of $2,000 for declaring C Y Ho as the rider of AMBASSADORSHIP after having been advised by Jockey Ho that he would be unable to ride the horse at the allocated weight.  As such, the Stewards permitted Apprentice C Y Lui to be substituted as the rider of AMBASSADORSHIP. LUCKY OMENS was slow to begin. When being steadied in the early stages in order to be shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier, ARCHIPPUS got its head up on a number of occasions. At the 500 Metres, WILLIE INVICTUS (K C Leung) shifted out and bumped AXIOM, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. TRAVEL SUPER in turn was shifted out away from the heels of AXIOM and bumped SELKIRK STAR, resulting in that horse being hampered and taken wider. K C Leung was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground. Rounding the Home Turn, AMBITIOUS CHAMPION was awkwardly placed close to the heels of INDUSTRIALIST WAY. Over the concluding stages, SUPREME FRESH was awkwardly placed when racing tight between AMBITIOUS CHAMPION and INDUSTRIALIST WAY which shifted out marginally under pressure. In the Straight, TRAVEL SUPER hung in and proved difficult to ride. For the majority of the race, AXIOM travelled wide and without cover. U Rispoli (BEST SHOW) was again reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SELKIRK STAR, W M Lai stated that, as instructed and consistent with its previous races, he shifted SELKIRK STAR across behind runners in the early stages from the wide barrier. He said although SELKIRK STAR was required to race in a three wide position for the majority of the race, the horse at all times had cover and travelled comfortably in the early and middle stages. He said SELKIRK STAR continued to travel well until after the 500 Metres at which time the horse became unbalanced after being bumped by TRAVEL SUPER. He said after this, he balanced SELKIRK STAR back up and immediately placed the horse under pressure, however, it did not respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of SELKIRK STAR immediately following the race revealed the horse to have a continuous epiglottic entrapment. A veterinary inspection of FRANCE VALOUR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of TRAVEL SUPER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY OMENS and AMBITIOUS CHAMPION were sent for sampling. <29/12/2014 Additional Veterinary Report>TRAVEL SUPER which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. TRAVEL SUPER was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer R Gibson this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg with poor action in both hind legs. Before being allowed to race again, TRAVEL SUPER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.