28/02/2016  Shatin  Race 5

On arrival at the Start, G Lerena expressed concern regarding the action of BEAR RAPPER. A veterinary examination of BEAR RAPPER found that horse to be lame in the left front leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, BEAR RAPPER was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, BEAR RAPPER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. From wide barriers, ROYALE ELEGANCE and ARGENTUM were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1100 Metres, ARGENTUM got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOLDEN CANNON. Near the 900 Metres, GOLDEN CANNON was left racing wide and without cover. Neat the 650 Metres, FASHION MAESTRO shifted out away from the heels of BEST HOPE, resulting in ARGENTUM being taken wider. Rounding the Home Turn, UNIQUE JOYFUL got its head up when crowded for room between ROYALE ELEGANCE and MASSIVE POWER (N Callan) which shifted out. N Callan was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he exercises more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. In this incident, ROYALE ELEGANCE was bumped by UNIQUE JOYFUL. At the entrance to the Straight, FASHION MAESTRO was steadied when held up for clear running close to the heels of BEST HOPE. FASHION MAESTRO then continued to have difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 250 Metres. After the race, Z Purton reported that BEST HOPE felt stiff in its action during the race. A veterinary inspection of BEST HOPE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, BEST HOPE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, Y T Cheng stated that with blinkers being added to the gear of GOOD FOR YOU for today's race, he was instructed to have the horse racing in about 5th or 6th position if possible. He said he was further instructed to shift the horse to the outside of runners in the Straight to make its finishing run. He said GOOD FOR YOU began awkwardly and then was inconvenienced when DUTCH WINDMILL shifted out. He said he rode his mount along vigorously in the early stages, however, GOOD FOR YOU did not show early speed and for this reason he shifted it across to obtain a position closer to the rail. He said in the early and middle stages he was able to obtain a trailing position behind MASSIVE POWER, however, was further back in the field than had been intended. He said when MASSIVE POWER improved its position approaching the 500 Metres, he rode his mount along to follow that horse, however, GOOD FOR YOU did not quicken and MASSIVE POWER was able to establish a margin over GOOD FOR YOU at this time. He added in accordance with his instructions, he shifted his mount out in the Straight and was able to place it under pressure, however, GOOD FOR YOU got its head on the side and hung in. He said he continued to ride his mount along until passing the 150 Metres at which time it was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FASHION MAESTRO. He said near the 100 Metres he was able to shift GOOD FOR YOU away from the heels of FASHION MAESTRO to obtain clear running over the concluding stages. Trainer Y S Tsui confirmed that with the addition of blinkers, he anticipated that the horse would be able to show early speed and obtain a position behind the leaders. He further confirmed that he had asked Jockey Cheng to shift to the outside of runners and not to make his run on the inside if possible as he felt that this may provide the horse the best opportunity to find clear running. Y T Cheng was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must, wherever possible, ensure that his mounts are able to obtain clear running so that they are able to be properly tested. A veterinary inspection of UNIQUE JOYFUL 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, UNIQUE JOYFUL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of ARGENTUM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SNOW SLIDER and RIGHT CALL were sent for sampling. <29/2/2016 Additional Veterinary Report>BEST HOPE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. BEST HOPE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C H Yip this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to lame in its left front leg. As previously advised, BEST HOPE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. ARGENTUM, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. ARGENTUM was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer D J Hall this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, ARGENTUM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.