14/01/2017  Shatin  Race 10

SPICY SURE began awkwardly. TEAM FORTUNE lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and consequently was slow to begin. MY DARLING and INVINCIBLE DRAGON bumped at the start. INVINCIBLE DRAGON then shifted out and inconvenienced LET US WIN. From the outside barrier, DR WIN WIN was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, MAGICAL BEAUTY failed to muster speed. SPICY SURE was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 300 Metres, APOLLO’S CHOICE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of MY DARLING which commenced to give ground. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MY DARLING, B Prebble stated that the horse travelled strongly to the barriers, however, in the race felt lethargic. He said after the 900 Metres MY DARLING was inclined to lay out when left racing three wide and without cover. He said he became concerned after the 500 Metres regarding the manner in which the horse would finish off the race as it did not appear to be travelling strongly. He said he placed MY DARLING under pressure at the entrance to the Straight and the horse did not quicken. He added MY DARLING was particularly disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground. He said whilst MY DARLING did not feel sore, the horse pulled up very quickly after the winning post and he was unable to account for its disappointing performance. Mr J Size, the trainer of MY DARLING, said he had been happy with the horse’s progress since its last start win and it had been intended for todays’ race to be used as a stepping stone for upcoming higher grade races. He said he was unable to explain the disappointing performance of MY DARLING as he anticipated, based on its track work, that the horse would perform well. A veterinary inspection of MY DARLING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MY DARLING, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MY DARLING will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, it was reported that TEAM FORTUNE had bled from both nostrils. INVINCIBLE DRAGON and JOLLY BANNER were sent for sampling.