10/01/2015  Shatin  Race 6

At declaration time, U Rispoli was declared as the rider of both FIGHTING BOY and HEAVENISARACEHORSE. It was established that U Rispoli had a firm commitment to ride FIGHTING BOY. As such, the Stewards permitted M Chadwick to be substituted as the rider of HEAVENISARACEHORSE. For this declaration error, Trainer A Schutz was fined $2,000. GRACEFUL KINGDOM was crowded for room on jumping between SUGAR CITY and FORTUNE GIGGLES which shifted out. Shortly after the start, SUGAR CITY raced in restricted room between GRACEFUL KINGDOM and BETTER ANNOUNCE which shifted in. From wide barriers, LAUDABLE VIRTUE and MAC ROW were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. ELITE PRIDE lost its left front plate in the early stages. After the 1000 Metres, WEALTHY FORTUNE was left racing wide and without cover. After the 700 Metres, SUGAR CITY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ELITE PRIDE which was being steadied away from the heels of GRACEFUL KINGDOM. Rounding the Home Turn, WINNAM raced tight between HIGH WARRIOR which was inclined to lay in and GRACEFUL KINGDOM which shifted out. Then in the early part of the Straight, WINNAM and HIGH WARRIOR continued to race tight. At the entrance to the Straight, ELITE PRIDE was steadied when crowded for room between GRACEFUL KINGDOM and ROUGE ET BLANC which made the Home Turn awkwardly and then shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of PEACE ON EARTH. SUGAR CITY had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and then again approaching the 200 Metres. Throughout the race, HIGH WARRIOR travelled wide and without cover. The performance of LAUDABLE VIRTUE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LAUDABLE VIRTUE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. M Guyon (ROUGE ET BLANC) was spoken to regarding him having raised his whip arm above the height of his shoulder. He was advised that as this was the second occasion that he had been spoken to regarding this matter, he was placed on notice that he may be penalized should he offend again in a similar manner in future. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he had been asked to ride HEAVENISARACEHORSE quietly from a wide barrier. He said apart from one occasion, HEAVENISARACEHORSE had generally been disappointing when ridden positively and for this reason he was asked to have the horse relaxed in the early stages and, if possible, make a quick move around the field rounding the Home Turn in the hope that it may be able to respond better when ridden in this manner. He said in accordance with his instructions he shifted the horse across behind runners in the early stages and then approaching the 500 Metres improved his position around the field. He added in the early part of the Straight HEAVENISARACEHORSE initially responded well to his riding, however, weakened somewhat under pressure over the final 200 Metres. On pulling up, BETTER ANNOUNCE made an abnormal breathing noise which indicated a dorsal displacement of the soft palate. However, a veterinary inspection of BETTER ANNOUNCE immediately following the race did not reveal any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of PEACE ON EARTH and HIGH WARRIOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WINNAM, FIGHTING BOY and MAC ROW were sent for sampling. <12/1/2015 Additional Veterinary Report> HIGH WARRIOR, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. HIGH WARRIOR was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer J Size yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right hind and left front legs. Before being allowed to race again, HIGH WARRIOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.