21/02/2016  Shatin  Race 3

LAUGHING LORD began awkwardly and then on jumping was crowded for room between PURE MOMENTUM and FUNNY BUDDIES which was taken in by BOLD STITCH which got its head on the side and shifted in. In this incident, BOLD STITCH became unbalanced. THUNDER DASH began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped MAGICAL BEAUTY which as a result raced tight inside SIR JOHN. Shortly after the start, HAPPY CENTURY and ROBUST MOMENTUM were crowded for room between TRIUMPHANT LIGHT and CARE FREE PRINCE, both of which shifted ground. From wide barriers, FUNNY BUDDIES and ACE KING were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Approaching the 1100 Metres, ROBUST MOMENTUM was bumped by THUNDER DASH which was racing tight inside BOLD STITCH. After this, despite being ridden along, THUNDER DASH was unable to maintain its position inside BOLD STITCH. Approaching the 1000 Metres, HAPPY CENTURY proved difficult to settle and momentarily raced tight between G-ONE LEADER and CARE FREE PRINCE. After the 900 Metres, BOLD STITCH was left racing wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, FINE ROCK lay out. After the 100 Metres, ACE KING shifted out and raced tight inside PURE MOMENTUM. Then close to the finishing line, ACE KING was steadied when crowded for room between PURE MOMENTUM and THUNDER DASH which shifted out. The Stewards considered a protest/objection lodged by S de Sousa, the rider of second placed, BOLD STITCH, against G-ONE LEADER being declared the winner alleging interference after the 200 Metres. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the videos, it was established that approaching the 100 Metres BOLD STITCH was forced wider by G-ONE LEADER which was taken out by MAGICAL BEAUTY which shifted out under pressure. As the Stewards were satisfied that MAGICAL BEAUTY had caused the incident rather than G-ONE LEADER, the protest/objection was overruled and weighed-in declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge. S de Sousa was reminded of the elements for a protest/objection to be favourably considered. After the race, C Schofield was dislodged from G-ONE LEADER which then proceeded to the top of the 1800 Metre chute riderless. This resulted in a delay to C Schofield being able to weigh in. C Schofield was subsequently examined by the Club's medical officers and passed fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements. When questioned, K Teetan stated that prior to the race he was instructed to shift TRIUMPHANT LIGHT to the outside of runners in the Straight if possible. He said for this reason he shifted out away from behind FINE ROCK at the entrance to the Straight despite that horse laying out and leaving a tight run between FINE ROCK and SIR JOHN. He said at the 400 Metres he rode TRIUMPHANT LIGHT to improve into tight running between FINE ROCK and MAGICAL BEAUTY, however, TRIUMPHANT LIGHT did not quicken and because of this he was not able to take advantage of the run prior to MAGICAL BEAUTY shifting in under pressure. He added approaching the 250 Metres he attempted to shift to the outside of MAGICAL BEAUTY, however, a run did not eventuate between MAGICAL BEAUTY and G-ONE LEADER and this resulted in TRIUMPHANT LIGHT and G-ONE LEADER bumping. He said after being briefly awkwardly placed close to the heels of MAGICAL BEAUTY passing the 250 Metres, he then directed TRIUMPHANT LIGHT to the inside of that horse to obtain clear running. A veterinary inspection of THUNDER DASH 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, THUNDER DASH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. G-ONE LEADER and BOLD STITCH were sent for sampling. <22/2/2016 Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that FUNNY BUDDIES was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, FUNNY BUDDIES will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.