08/11/2015  Shatin  Race 11

HORSE OF FORTUNE was withdrawn on 7.11.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (upper respiratory tract infection) and was replaced by first Standby Declared Starter GOLDEN SLEEP (K Teetan). SKYROCKETS was also withdrawn on 7.11.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by second Standby Declared Starter RACING HERO (K C Leung). Before being allowed to race again, HORSE OF FORTUNE and SKYROCKETS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TRAVEL FIRST began awkwardly. REGENCY KING, which was leaning on the inside of its stall as the start was effected, lost ground shortly after the start when crowded for room between TWIN DELIGHT and SICHUAN VIGOUR which was taken in by CIRCUIT LAND after that horse shifted ground after being bumped by RACING HERO on jumping. In this incident, TWIN DELIGHT became unbalanced after receiving contact on the hindquarters from REGENCY KING. From the outside barrier, VICTORY MAGIC was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1400 Metres, UNIVERSAL UNION was momentarily crowded for room inside ANTICIPATION which shifted in before being directed back out to relieve the tightening to UNIVERSAL UNION. When ANTICIPATION was shifted back out, GOLDEN SLEEP, which was following, was hampered in consequence. Throughout the race, REGENCY KING travelled wide and without cover and approaching the 1100 Metres got its head up when travelling keenly. VICTORY MAGIC and SECRET WEAPON were both held up for clear running from on straightening until the 250 Metres. Near the 250 Metres, REGENCY KING was shifted out away from the heels of TWIN DELIGHT which shifted out and away from ANTICIPATION after being brushed by that horse which got its head on the side and shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GLORIOUS LAD. UNIVERSAL UNION, which was following and which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was hampered in consequence. Close to the finishing line, ANTICIPATION turned its head to the right and attempted to savage VICTORY MAGIC. Mr A S Cruz, the trainer of ANTICIPATION, was advised that a warning would be placed on ANTICIPATION in respect of its racing manners. Throughout the race, CIRCUIT LAND travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of TWIN DELIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CIRCUIT LAND, SECRET WEAPON and VICTORY MAGIC were sent for sampling.