21/03/2015  Shatin  Race 5

Whilst in the saddling stalls, HAPPY KITCHEN had its right front plate refitted. HAPPY KITCHEN was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. BEST FIGHTER began awkwardly and shortly after the start was shifted across behind runners. Shortly after the start, TELECOM PRINCE lost ground when checked away from the heels of GRASSLAND DRAGON which, after initially being bumped by TELECOM BOSS, then got its head on the side and shifted in away from that horse. From the outside barrier, NEW SPEED AHEAD was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1100 Metres, AH BO momentarily raced in restricted room inside GREAT SPEED which got its head on the side and shifted in. Passing the 1000 Metres, GRASSLAND DRAGON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of AH BO and making the first turn near the 900 Metres got its head on the side and shifted out. Then approaching the 800 Metres, GRASSLAND DRAGON got its head up when again awkwardly placed behind AH BO, resulting in GRASSLAND DRAGON having to be shifted out away from the heels of that horse. After this, GRASSLAND DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. Near the 150 Metres, HEROIC GURU momentarily became unbalanced. The performance of HAPPY KITCHEN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY KITCHEN 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, C Y Ho (SUMARAND DRAGON) reported that his saddle shifted back in the early part of the Straight. Also after the race, Z Purton reported that FOTOGENIC did not travel well at any stage of the race. He said in the early part of the Straight FOTOGENIC came under heavy pressure and was inclined to lay in. He said despite being ridden out, FOTOGENIC stopped noticeably prior to the 200 Metres and consequently he eased it down over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of FOTOGENIC 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 FOTOGENIC, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FOTOGENIC will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Following the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on AH BO at the request of Trainer A T Millard. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, AH BO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. KIDS AND WIN and AH BO were sent for sampling.