25/09/2016  Shatin  Race 2

FORTUNE GIGGLES was withdrawn on 24.9.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, FORTUNE GIGGLES will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. As O Bosson was unable to fulfil the engagement on PRECISIONCRAFTSMAN due to being overweight, M L Yeung was substituted as the rider of that horse. O Bosson was fined the sum of $5,000. BEST TANGO began only fairly. Shortly after the start, HIGH VOLATILITY was bumped by WIN IT which was taken out by SUPERNATURAL. TOP ACE was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 300 Metres, AMAZING ALWAYS was inconvenienced by XINJIANG YARN (C Schofield) which shifted out. C Schofield was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Passing the 200 Metres, BEST TANGO was awkwardly placed inside the heels of SUPERNATURAL. When questioned, K C Leung (VICTORY MASTER) stated that he had been asked to position VICTORY MASTER in about midfield with cover if possible from barrier 10. He said he did inform connections that this may be difficult from the outside barrier, however, he was requested not to have the horse too far out of its ground, but also not to lead as at its last start VICTORY MASTER was in a forward position in a race that was run at a quick tempo in the middle stages and they did not want the horse to lead today's race from the outside barrier. He said it was explained to him that the winner of the first race had travelled in a three wide position throughout the race albeit with cover, so it was not anticipated that having to race three wide would necessarily be a disadvantage. He said in accordance with his instructions he attempted to find a position behind the speed in the early stages and at one stage felt that he may have been able to obtain a trailing position behind SUPERNATURAL had XINJIANG YARN shifted in to the rail. He said however that after the 1200 Metres XINJIANG YARN was ridden along to maintain its position to the inside of VICTORY MASTER in a position one horse off the rail and for this reason VICTORY MASTER was then left racing three wide and without cover. He added although the race was only run at an average speed, he did not consider improving his position into or outside the lead as this would have been contrary to his instructions and in any event VICTORY MASTER was travelling comfortably. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on TOP ACE at the request of Trainer A T Millard. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, TOP ACE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of BEST TANGO immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of HIGH VOLATILITY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. XINJIANG YARN and VICTORY MASTER were sent for sampling.