26/02/2017  Shatin  Race 8

PERFECT LIFELINE began only fairly. Shortly after the start, AMAZING AGILITY became unbalanced after being bumped by HOME RUN which was taken out by IMPERIAL GALLANTRY which shifted ground after being bumped by RED ELYSEES. After this, from wide barriers, IMPERIAL GALLANTRY, HOME RUN and AMAZING AGILITY were all shifted across behind runners. Near the 900 Metres, AMAZING AGILITY was bumped by THE JAZZ which got its head on the side and shifted out away from the heels of AGREE. At the 600 Metres, ISHVARA was taken wider by BEAUTY FLARE which shifted out. Approaching the 200 Metres, BEAUTY FLARE was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of ISHVARA when taken out by UP AND COMING (N Rawiller) which shifted out to obtain clear running. N Rawiller was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground. Near the 150 Metres, ISHVARA was brushed by UP AND COMING which shifted out and away from HOME RUN. Close to the finishing line, UP AND COMING raced tight between ISHVARA and HOME RUN. Throughout the race, ISHVARA travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of AMAZING AGILITY, B Prebble stated that as is normally the case, the horse travelled back in the field. He said he had hoped to be able to improve his position after the 1000 Metres, however, THE JAZZ shifted out at this time and because of this he was not able to continue improving. He said AMAZING AGILITY travelled well rounding the Home Turn and after being shifted to the outside of runners, he expected the horse to finish off the race well, however, the horse came under pressure passing the 300 Metres and then over the final 200 Metres did not finish off the race as he expected. A veterinary inspection of AMAZING AGILITY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, M L Yeung stated that it had been intended for RED ELYSEES, which was stepping up in distance, to be ridden similarly to its only other race start in Hong Kong when the horse was successful when ridden from back in the field. He said RED ELYSEES began very well and assumed a forward position in the early stages of its own accord and at no time did he ride the horse along. He said he looked to his inside shortly after the start to establish whether it was reasonable for him to restrain RED ELYSEES to take a position behind runners, however, given the positioning of RED ELYSEES at this time, the pace of the race in the early stages and the manner in which RED ELYSEES had begun, he did not believe that it was reasonable for him to restrain the horse at this time as he would have had to restrain it heavily to ride it as he was instructed. He added therefore he allowed RED ELYSEES to shift across to race towards the lead but at no stage did he have to push the horse to achieve this position. He said when placed under pressure in the Straight RED ELYSEES did not respond to his riding and gave ground. A veterinary inspection of RED ELYSEES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on RAZOR QUEST at the request of Trainer C W Chang. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, RAZOR QUEST will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. RAZOR QUEST, WHAT ELSE BUT YOU and HOME RUN were sent for sampling.