01/02/2015  Shatin  Race 1

ENCHANTING DIAMOND was crowded for room on jumping between JUN HAO and COSTA DEL SOL which shifted in. In this incident, ENCHANTING DIAMOND bumped the hindquarters of JUN HAO which became unbalanced. DELIGHT FORTUNE shifted out at the start and bumped NATURAL EIGHT. A short distance after the start, NATURAL EIGHT and GLORIOUS VICTORY bumped. Passing the 1200 Metres, DELIGHT FORTUNE raced in restricted room inside GLORIOUS VICTORY which got its head on the side and hung in despite the efforts of its rider. Then near the 1000 Metres, DELIGHT FORTUNE was steadied and became unbalanced when again crowded for room inside GLORIOUS VICTORY which continued to hang in. Approaching the 800 Metres, OPTIMIZATION STAR got its head up when awkwardly placed behind CHINA GOOD. Rounding the Home Turn, GLORIOUS VICTORY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ISLAND SPRING. CHINA GOOD was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. For some distance in the early part of the Straight, OPTIMIZATION STAR was held up when attempting to improve between JUN HAO and ENCHANTING DIAMOND where there was insufficient room. Then at the 300 Metres, OPTIMIZATION STAR was steadied and shifted in when unable to improve between those horses. OPTIMIZATION STAR was then held up for clear running until passing the 200 Metres. Throughout the race, COSTA DEL SOL travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ISLAND SPRING, U Rispoli stated that his mount raced very “flat”. He said he had to ride ISLAND SPRING vigorously in the early stages in an endeavour to hold its position, however, despite being ridden along, the horse was reluctant to maintain its position behind LUCKY PIONEER. He said ISLAND SPRING never travelled comfortably at any stage of the race and although his mount was hampered by LUCKY PIONEER which shifted in passing the 350 Metres, ISLAND SPRING was well beaten at this time and after this continued to give ground. A veterinary inspection of ISLAND SPRING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. The performance of ISLAND SPRING was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ISLAND SPRING will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on BEST JADE TRIUMPH at the request of Trainer A Lee. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, BEST JADE TRIUMPH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JUN HAO, OPTIMIZATION STAR and CHINA GOOD were sent for sampling.