20/11/2016  Shatin  Race 3

AUTUMN GOLD was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between COOL AND NEAT and EXPECTATOR which shifted out. LIGHTNING AND GOLD began awkwardly and then despite being ridden along in the early stages failed to muster speed. ASHKIYR was slow to begin. Approaching the 1600 Metres, POLYMER LUCK got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied to obtain cover. Approaching the 1500 Metres, EXCELLENCE shifted out and bumped SUPER FORM. After the 1200 Metres, EXCELLENCE was left racing wide and without cover. Over the concluding stages, XINJIANG YARN lay in under pressure. Because of this, its rider, C Schofield, stopped riding close to the finishing line and looked to his inside to establish the positioning of other horses. Throughout the race, HOLY UNICORN travelled wide and without cover and subsequently finished tailed out. The performance of HOLY UNICORN was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HOLY UNICORN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. C Y Ho (GORGEOUS AGAIN) was fined $5,000 for improper use of the whip in that he raised weal marks over the horse’s right hindquarters. After the race, T Berry, the rider of COOL AND NEAT, reported that the horse made an abnormal breathing noise when pulling up. A veterinary inspection of COOL AND NEAT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of AUTUMN GOLD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. POLYMER LUCK, WILLIE WAY and XINJIANG YARN were sent for sampling.