29/05/2016  Shatin  Race 5

On arrival at the track, POSITIVE FORCE was noted to have lost its left front plate, resulting in the horse having to be replated. After being replated, POSITIVE FORCE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was lame in its right front leg. Acting on advice from the Veterinary Officer that POSITIVE FORCE was not suitable to race, the horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, POSITIVE FORCE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HARBOUR NOVA began awkwardly and lost ground. MODERN TSAR was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, CAREFREE LET GO failed to muster speed. For some distance after the 900 Metres, RAINBOW FIGHTER got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed close to the heels of WILD BOY. Near the 750 Metres, FLYING FORCE, which was travelling keenly, was directed out away from the heels of RADIANT STEED, resulting in RAINBOW FIGHTER being taken out into a position three wide and without cover. For some distance passing the 750 Metres, FURIOUS PEGASUS got its head up when racing keenly and awkwardly placed behind LUCKY DAY. Passing the 700 Metres, FLYING FORCE continued to race keenly and got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of WILD BOY. Passing the 400 Metres, LUCKY DAY raced tight between RAINBOW FIGHTER and SMART DELIGHT when improving into narrow running between those horses. When questioned regarding his riding of MODERN TSAR in the early part of the Straight, N Rawiller stated that approaching the Home Turn MODERN TSAR, which had been racing at the rear of the field, made good ground to improve behind HARD BALL GET. He said when that horse shifted out at the top of the Straight, he commenced to slap MODERN TSAR down the shoulder with the whip and the horse commenced to quicken well. He said he continued to urge his mount along until about the 300 Metres at which time he again commenced to ride MODERN TSAR with the whip. N Rawiller was advised to ensure that he places his mounts under appropriate pressure at vital stages of the race. A veterinary inspection of SMART DELIGHT immediately following the race found that horse was displaying post-race distress. Before being allowed to race again, SMART DELIGHT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on HARBOUR NOVA at the request of Trainer P O’Sullivan. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. FLYING FORCE and MALMSTEEN were sent for sampling.