26/06/2016  Shatin  Race 1

After the 1400 Metres, SLEDGE HAMMER, which was travelling wide and without cover, got its head on the side and attempted to hang out. SLEDGE HAMMER was able to be brought back to the main body of the field after the 1300 Metres. After the 1200 Metres, DRAGON ENERGY got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of DRAGON HARMONY which was being steadied away from the heels of MY CUP OVERFLOWS. This resulted in DRAGON ENERGY losing ground. Making the turn after the 1200 Metres, FLYING MACHINE got its head on the side and lay out. After the 1100 Metres, DRAGON GLORY was left racing wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HAPPY FRIENDSHIP, J Moreira stated that the horse was able to enjoy a good run behind the speed on the rail. He said after making the turn near the 700 Metres he was awkwardly positioned inside MY CUP OVERFLOWS and attempted to improve inside that horse and from behind CHOICE EXCHEQUER near the 500 Metres. He said he was not able to immediately shift out due to MY CUP OVERFLOWS maintaining its position. He said passing the 400 Metres he was able to shift out from behind CHOICE EXCHEQUER, however, HAPPY FRIENDSHIP was inclined to lay in and proved difficult to ride. He added near the 200 Metres HAPPY FRIENDSHIP, which was continuing to lay in, was awkwardly placed outside DRAGON GLORY, however, at this time the horse was already under heavy pressure and after this was disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY FRIENDSHIP immediately following the race revealed the horse to have an epiglottic entrapment. When questioned regarding her riding of GLAMOROUS RYDER after the 600 Metres, Apprentice K K Chiong stated that she was following SPICY SIAM. She said at this stage the horse was under heavy pressure, however, she felt that it was better in the circumstances to wait until the top of the Straight to make her finishing run rather than shifting to the outside of that horse which would have resulted in GLAMOROUS RYDER being forced very wide. She said she was unaware at this time that a run was developing between REUNITED and DRAGON GLORY which was racing directly to the inside of SPICY SIAM. She said when DRAGON GLORY commenced to improve its position after the 400 Metres, she followed that horse into the Straight and GLAMOROUS RYDER then finished off the race well. Apprentice Chiong was advised that her explanation would be reported, however, she must ensure that, wherever possible, she takes advantage of opportunities to improve her position so that her mounts do not get too far out of their ground. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MIZZEN GREY had sustained lacerations to the right front cannon and fetlock. A veterinary inspection of SLEDGE HAMMER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MULTI-WIN GENERAL immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, MULTI-WIN GENERAL will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HAPPY FRIENDSHIP, MIZZEN GREY and DRAGON HARMONY were sent for sampling.