19/02/2017  Shatin  Race 1

LUCKY SEBRING was crowded for room on jumping between AMBITIOUS SPEEDY and RAINBOW GOLD which shifted out. After this, LUCKY SEBRING was ridden along, however, failed to muster speed. Shortly after the start, STARRY STARLIES raced in restricted room between AMBITIOUS SPEEDY and A FAST ONE. Also shortly after the start, JIMSON THE FAMOUS was crowded for room between GIDDY GIDDY and HIGHLAND DRAGON which shifted in. Approaching the 700 Metres, STARRY STARLIES was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of PLANET GIANT which got its head on the side and lay in. Making the first turn near the 700 Metres, CONSISTENT lay in despite the efforts of its rider, resulting in PLANET GIANT and LUCKY SEBRING racing tight. After the 700 Metres, SNOWHOOVES was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 100 Metres, PLANET GIANT was awkwardly placed outside the heels of EVERYONE’S CHOICE which shifted out under pressure after laying out in the early part of the Straight. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CONSISTENT, J Moreira stated that the horse, which was dropping back in distance today, would not have sufficient speed to take up a forward position, however, it was hoped that it would not get too far out of its ground from its wide barrier as it was carrying top weight. He said he was asked to ride CONSISTENT in about a midfield position with cover if possible. He said, despite being ridden along for a considerable distance in the early part of the race, CONSISTENT did not show any early speed and the horse was required to race further back in the field than had been hoped. He said CONSISTENT did not travel well at any stage and appeared to him to lack interest. He added that although CONSISTENT was momentarily inconvenienced near the 250 Metres, the horse was well beaten at this stage after failing to respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of CONSISTENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CONSISTENT, a favoured runner in this race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CONSISTENT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY SEBRING and STARRY STARLIES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A FAST ONE and JIMSON THE FAMOUS were sent for sampling.