28/03/2016  Shatin  Race 10

SHAMAL proved very difficult to load, resulting in the start of the race being delayed. Before being allowed to race again, SHAMAL will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. SHAMAL began only fairly. MR STUNNING shifted out at the start and bumped GLORIOUS AVENUE. LUCOBLU began only fairly and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between GLORIOUS AVENUE and MYTHICAL EMPEROR which shifted in after being bumped by TONYBOY. From the outside barriers, SUPREME FALCON and HONG KONG CAPTAIN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When being steadied to obtain cover after the 1100 Metres, MR STUNNING travelled keenly. After the 800 Metres, WINSTON'S LAD was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 700 Metres, SUPREME FALCON was checked away from the heels of SKY KING when taken out by LUCOBLU which took charge of its rider and shifted out away from the heels of ACTUARIAT. A short distance after this, SKY KING was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHAMAL. LUCOBLU continued to prove very difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of ACTUARIAT for some distance. The racing manners of LUCOBLU were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LUCOBLU will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend. Rounding the Home Turn, WAH MAY FRIEND and TONYBOY raced tight as WAH MAY FRIEND attempted to improve between TONYBOY and MYTHICAL EMPEROR where there was insufficient room. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in as they were of the prima facie view that an incident occurred over the concluding stages which cast doubt on whether MR STUNNING should be declared the second placegetter of the race. The Stewards found that passing the 100 Metres TONYBOY shifted out and brushed HAMMER KING (J Moreira). It was further established that MR STUNNING shifted in and brushed HAMMER KING near the 75 Metres before again shifting in and making further contact with that horse passing the 50 Metres. Having in mind the manner in which HAMMER KING and MR STUNNING finished off the race, the Stewards did not believe that it was appropriate to progress the matter to a formal protest/objection and accordingly weighed-in was declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge. Whilst it had no bearing on the decision of the Stewards, it was noted that J Moreira did not lodge a protest/objection on behalf of the connections of HAMMER KING. Close to the finishing line, WAH MAY FRIEND and MYTHICAL EMPEROR raced tight. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that LUCOBLU had bled from both nostrils. TONYBOY and MR STUNNING were sent for sampling.