09/01/2016  Shatin  Race 7

FABULOUS ONE shifted out at the start and bumped SIMPLY INVINCIBLE. Approaching the 200 Metres, ALMABABY, which was giving ground, was momentarily steadied away from the heels of ALL GREAT FRIENDS which shifted in. Passing the 150 Metres, PERPETUAL TREASURE was hampered when having to be shifted out away from the heels of IMPERIAL CHAMPION which, when giving ground, shifted out. Throughout the race, ALMABABY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, S de Sousa (IMPERIAL CHAMPION) stated that near the 1000 Metres he was able to shift across to race outside FABULOUS ONE and had intended to remain racing in this position. He said accordingly, he restrained IMPERIAL CHAMPION, however, passing the 900 Metres the horse would not relax and was travelling far too keenly. He said for this reason he allowed the horse to stride into the lead at the 700 Metres rather than continuing to fight against the horse. When questioned, Z Purton stated that he was able to obtain the lead on FABULOUS ONE in the early stages as instructed and after shifting in to race on the rail after the 1000 Metres commenced to steady the tempo. He said at this stage IMPERIAL CHAMPION, from a wider barrier. shifted in to race outside FABULOUS ONE and FABULOUS ONE was initially reluctant to settle. He said making the turn near the 900 Metres he observed that IMPERIAL CHAMPION was racing keenly and proving difficult to restrain and as he did not want to become engaged in a speed battle with that horse, he elected to steady FABULOUS ONE and allow IMPERIAL CHAMPION to cross. He said the tempo of the race, particularly after the 800 Metres, was strong and he did not believe it would be in the best interests of the horse to continue to race in the lead inside IMPERIAL CHAMPION. He added in its previous races when successful FABULOUS ONE had been able to travel on the bridle until about the 300 Metres, however, today because of the manner in which IMPERIAL CHAMPION was racing, FABULOUS ONE came off the bridle earlier than had been hoped. He said he held the horse together for as long as possible, however, he was forced to commence to ride the horse along after the 400 Metres. He said FABULOUS ONE did not quicken when asked in the early part of the Straight and then gave ground noticeably over the remainder of the race. Mr W Y So, the trainer of FABULOUS ONE, stated whilst he was disappointed with the manner in which FABULOUS ONE weakened in the Straight, he was of the opinion that the circumstances of the race, namely IMPERIAL CHAMPION racing to the outside of FABULOUS ONE, had been a significant factor in the manner in which the horse performed. He said nonetheless, he would recommend to the owners that FABULOUS ONE be given a freshen up. A veterinary inspection of FABULOUS ONE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of FABULOUS ONE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FABULOUS ONE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on CAGA FORCE at the request of Trainer C S Shum. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, CAGA FORCE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FABULOUS ONE, AMAZING KIDS and BORN IN CHINA were sent for sampling.