24/01/2016  Shatin  Race 1

COMMANDANT began awkwardly. CRUISE CONTROL was slow to begin and shortly after the start was bumped by ENDORSING which shifted in marginally. WIN CHANCE was crowded for room shortly after the start between BETTER ANNOUNCE which shifted out and ZACHARY which shifted in after being bumped by COMMANDANT. In this incident, COMMANDANT became unbalanced. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, LUCKY BOLE failed to muster speed and shortly after the start, from the outside barrier, was shifted across behind runners. Also from a wide barrier, GOLD TARTINI was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. After the 1400 Metres, ENDORSING was left racing wide and without cover. During the middle stages, GLORIOUS VICTORY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of COMMANDANT when travelling keenly and then approaching the 800 Metres was checked away from the heels of HAPPY FRIENDSHIP. Near the 450 Metres, BORNFREE was shifted in away from the heels of ENDORSING which was giving ground. For some distance after the 350 Metres, HAPPY FRIENDSHIP was badly held up for clear running after attempting to improve into tight running inside BETTER ANNOUNCE. HAPPY FRIENDSHIP was then shifted to the outside of BETTER ANNOUNCE near the 200 Metres to obtain clear running. For the majority of the race, CHOICE EXCHEQUER travelled wide and without cover. The performances of ENDORSING and CHOICE EXCHEQUER, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ENDORSING and CHOICE EXCHEQUER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of BORNFREE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, BORNFREE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MIZZEN GREY and COMMANDANT were sent for sampling.