15/02/2015  Shatin  Race 7

DUNDONNELL began awkwardly and shortly after the start was steadied when crowded for room between PENIAPHOBIA and AEROVELOCITY which shifted in. From a wide barrier, STERLING CITY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1000 Metres, PENIAPHOBIA travelled keenly and got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of AEROVELOCITY. Near the 850 Metres, PENIAPHOBIA, which was travelling keenly, was hampered when crowded for room inside LUCKY NINE which was taken in by FLAGSHIP SHINE (N Callan) which shifted ground when not properly clear. N Callan was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear of other runners when shifting ground. Also near the 850 Metres, GOLDEN HARVEST was checked when crowded for room between DAN EXCEL which got its head on the side and shifted in away from SMART VOLATILITY and DUNDONNELL which hung out. As the Stewards were of the opinion that there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. After the 400 Metres, SMART VOLATILITY and PENIAPHOBIA raced tight as PENIAPHOBIA shifted out into clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, FLAGSHIP SHINE and LUCKY NINE raced tight. In the Straight, AEROVELOCITY got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. For the majority of the race, SMART VOLATILITY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, U Rispoli (GOLDEN HARVEST) stated that he was not happy with the horse’s action rounding the Home Turn and in the Straight. He said it seemed to him that the horse did not feel right behind as it was not comfortable throughout the second half of the race. He said he had ridden the horse in a trial in the lead up to today’s race and it had performed well in that trial. He added when GOLDEN HARVEST did not respond to his riding in the early part of the Straight, because of the concern he had in respect of the horse’s action, he eased it down over the latter stages of the race. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN HARVEST immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, GOLDEN HARVEST will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SMART VOLATILITY was lame in its right front leg and that DAN EXCEL was found to have sustained a laceration to the right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, SMART VOLATILITY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOLD-FUN and AEROVELOCITY were sent for sampling.