19/04/2015  Shatin  Race 2

HOLY MAC, which made contact with a rail when proceeding to the Start, was examined by the Veterinary Officer before being loaded into the barriers who said the horse was suitable to race. LOYAL CRAFTSMAN was slow to begin. JUMBO SPIRIT began only fairly and despite being vigorously ridden along in the early and middle stages was reluctant to muster speed. From wide barriers, HOLY MAC and WIN ALONG were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1100 Metres, WIN ALONG was crowded for room inside OXFORD CHARLEY which shifted in abruptly when awkwardly placed close to the heels of DUAL HAPPY. Approaching the 1000 Metres, HOLY MAC, which was proving difficult to settle, was bumped by LOYAL CRAFTSMAN which shifted out when also proving difficult to settle. Near the 350 Metres, STRIKE EAGLE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SMART UNION when taken in by DUAL HAPPY. Over the concluding stages, RUGBY AMBASSADOR was steadied when unable to improve into tight running between FASTER MORE and SMART UNION. Close to the finishing line, OXFORD CHARLEY raced tight between GOOD FIT and ASIA RISING which shifted out marginally. HOLY MAC lost its left front plate after passing the winning post. Throughout the race, SOUTHERN SPRINGS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, N Callan (FASTER MORE) stated that he had been asked to ride his mount positively in the early stages and attempt to obtain a trailing position behind the leaders if possible. He said approaching the 1500 Metres he shifted in to race outside SUPERKING DRAGON which he expected would be one of the front runners and immediately looked to obtain a position behind that horse if possible. He said however that there were a number of runners which had already established positions behind the leaders and when it was no longer available for him to take a trailing position, he allowed FASTER MORE to progress into the lead rather than remain racing unnecessary wide. He added after obtaining the lead after the 1200 Metres, he was able to steady the tempo on FASTER MORE and dictate the terms of the race. He said however after SUPERKING DRAGON improved to the outside of FASTER MORE near the 400 Metres, FASTER MORE got its head up and momentarily came under pressure. He said over the final 200 Metres FASTER MORE finished off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of FASTER MORE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of RUGBY AMBASSADOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FASTER MORE, DUAL HAPPY and SUPERKING DRAGON were sent for sampling. <20/4/2015 Additional Veterinary Report>FASTER MORE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. FASTER MORE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P F Yiu this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg with a stiff and restricted action. Before being allowed to race again, FASTER MORE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.