13/12/2015  Shatin  Race 2

The start of the race was delayed as DALWARI proved very difficult to load. Having regard to DALWARI's previous record in respect of being difficult to load, the Stewards ruled that the horse must barrier trial satisfactorily prior its next race start. LOTUS STRIKES BACK began awkwardly and shifted in, resulting in INDUSTRIALIST WAY being crowded for room outside SERGEANT TITANIUM which also raced tight outside PO CHING TREASURE which shifted out. A short distance after the start, HAPPILABABY shifted in and bumped GOLD DRAGON. From wide barriers, HAPPILABABY and PEARL FURU were both shifted across behind runners in the early stages. At the 400 Metres, HAPPILABABY was shifted out away from the heels of GOOD CHOICE. LOTUS STRIKES BACK had difficulty obtaining clear running approaching and passing the 200 Metres and then close to the finishing line shifted out abruptly. PO CHING TREASURE was unable to obtain clear running until approaching the 100 Metres and consequently was not able to be properly tested. Throughout the race, PEARL FURU (C Y Ho) travelled wide and without cover. After the race, C Y Ho reported that PEARL FURU lay out throughout the race and proved difficult to ride. When questioned, M L Yeung stated that MAC ROW knuckled over on jumping and immediately was reluctant to stretch out. He said he tested his horse in the early stages of the Straight, however, MAC ROW did not feel comfortable in its action and because of this he eased it down over the latter stages of the race. After the race, Trainer A Lee was unable to offer any explanation for the performance of MAC ROW. He said since its last start success, the horse had pleased him in its work and a forward showing was expected today. A veterinary inspection of MAC ROW immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MAC ROW, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MAC ROW will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a series of barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of DALWARI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ASHKIYR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. SERGEANT TITANIUM, HAPPILABABY and GOLD DRAGON were sent for sampling.