18/01/2015  Shatin  Race 7

BEST SHOW, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 16.1.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore right eye). Before being allowed to race again, BEST SHOW will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the Start, it was noted that ARCHIPPUS had lost its left front plate. This plate was refitted. ARCHIPPUS was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After being loaded, INDUSTRIALIST WAY became fractious and reared on a number of occasions. INDUSTRIALIST WAY was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, INDUSTRIALIST WAY will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. TRAVEL SUPER and SYSTEM OVERLOAD were crowded for room on jumping between INDUSTRIALIST WAY and LEVEL PLAYER which shifted out. ARCHIPPUS and CRAZY BUDDIES bumped heavily at the start. From the outside barriers, PHOTON WILLIE and SO CAFFE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After being ridden along in the early stages and failing to muster speed, PRESIDENT LINCOLN was shifted across behind runners shortly after the start. SYSTEM OVERLOAD lost its left front plate at the 1000 Metres. SO CAFFE lost its right front plate passing the 800 Metres. THE SYLPH got its head up on a number of occasions and lost ground after the 800 Metres when momentarily racing tight between ARCHIPPUS and CRAZY BUDDIES which shifted in marginally. At the 500 Metres, SYSTEM OVERLOAD was steadied after attempting to improve between INDUSTRIALIST WAY and SO CAFFE which improved quickly to the outside of SYSTEM OVERLOAD. As the Stewards were satisfied that SYSTEM OVERLOAD had not established running to the outside of INDUSTRIALIST WAY prior to the incident occurring, no further action was taken. TURBO JEWELLERY had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 300 Metres, THE SYLPH was steadied away from the heels of CIRCUIT STAR which shifted in when giving ground. THE SYLPH was then directed to the outside of CIRCUIT STAR near the 250 Metres to obtain clear running. FASTER MORE was unable to obtain clear running from near the 300 Metres until after passing the 200 Metres. PHOTON WILLIE was unable to obtain clear running at any stage in the Straight and consequently was not tested. For the majority of the race, CIRCUIT STAR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, K Teetan stated that he had been asked to obtain a forward position on ARCHIPPUS if possible. He said it was explained to him that with the horse’s light weight and in what appeared to be a race that would be run at a slow tempo, this provided the opportunity for ARCHIPPUS to obtain a forward position which would be more preferable than racing towards the rear of the field in a slowly run race. He said it was also felt by connections that horses racing on the speed to that stage of the meeting had been advantaged. He said it was hoped that ARCHIPPUS may be able to obtain a position behind the leaders if possible with cover. He said after riding his mount along for a short distance after the start, ARCHIPPUS was able to obtain a forward position without too much use having to be made of the horse. He added when there were a number of runners positioned to the inside of ARCHIPPUS after the 1600 Metres, he allowed the horse to continue on into the lead as it was not possible at this time to obtain a position with cover as instructed. A veterinary inspection of SYSTEM OVERLOAD and CRAZY BUDDIES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. INDUSTRIALIST WAY, TOP ACT and PRESIDENT LINCOLN were sent for sampling.