20/03/2016  Shatin  Race 4

WINGOLD was slow to begin. BO DUKE and SIR JOHN bumped at the start. From the outside barrier, ELECTRONIC PHOENIX was shifted across behind runners in the early stages, however, after the 1200 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. ELECTRONIC PHOENIX was then allowed to improve its position after the 1000 Metres, however, continued to race wide and without cover. Passing the 1500 Metres, IMPERIAL GALLANTRY shifted in and bumped CALIFORNIA JOY which was awkwardly placed outside SIR JOHN. SIR JOHN then shifted out marginally, resulting in CALIFORNIA JOY being taken out onto IMPERIAL GALLANTRY which was bumped and taken wider. For a considerable distance passing the 1400 Metres, WINGOLD got its head up on a number of occasions when proving difficult to settle. Passing the 1300 Metres, LIGHTNING AND GOLD lost ground when crowded for room between PRINCE FALCON and IMPERIAL GALLANTRY which got its head on the side and shifted in away from OUR GENERATION. Near the 500 Metres, GOOD FOR YOU was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPARKLING SWORD. IMPERIAL GALLANTRY hung in under pressure in the Straight and near the 100 Metres got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly away from LIGHTNING AND GOLD (J Moreira) which was shifting in under pressure. IMPERIAL GALLANTRY then continued to shift in and became very awkward when racing between LIGHTNING AND GOLD and ELECTRONIC PHOENIX which was also hampered when taken in by IMPERIAL GALLANTRY. J Moreira was advised that whilst the racing manners of IMPERIAL GALLANTRY had been largely responsible for this incident, nonetheless he had permitted LIGHTNING AND GOLD to shift in under pressure. He was further advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to straighten his mounts as soon as they commence to shift ground to prevent causing interference to other runners. When questioned, D Whyte stated that OUR GENERATION, which had previously proved very fractious in the barriers, was better behaved today and only reared on one occasion. He said, from barrier 12, he was able to obtain a position with cover outside the eventual winner CALIFORNIA JOY. He said after the 750 Metres he had to urge his mount along to maintain its position as OUR GENERATION was not travelling well. He added he placed OUR GENERATION under heavy pressure after the 600 Metres and after obtaining clear running in the Straight OUR GENERATION did not respond to his riding and weakened noticeably. He said, in his opinion, OUR GENERATION raced ��flat�� today. Mr A Schutz, the trainer of OUR GENERATION, was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of the horse as it had done particularly well since its last start success. A veterinary inspection of OUR GENERATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of OUR GENERATION, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, OUR GENERATION will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, R Moore stated that he had been asked, from barrier 1, to have TOM��S CHARM positioned in about midfield if possible. He said TOM��S CHARM was slow to begin and then, despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, failed to improve its position. He said he had to ride TOM��S CHARM along throughout the majority of the race as the horse did not travel comfortably at any stage. He said whilst he was following BO DUKE and that horse came under heavy pressure after the 700 Metres, nonetheless TOM��S CHARM was not travelling well at this time. He added after obtaining clear running in the Straight, he rode TOM��S CHARM out, however, the horse did not improve its position and raced disappointingly. A veterinary inspection of TOM��S CHARM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BO DUKE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of BO DUKE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BO DUKE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LIGHTNING AND GOLD, CALIFORNIA JOY and GOOD FOR YOU were sent for sampling.