01/03/2017  Shatin  Race 4

GOLD DRAGON began only fairly. GOOD FIT began only fairly and shortly after the start was crowded for room between LUCKY SEVEN STARS and SURE PEACE which was taken in by HIT A HOME RUN which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. After this, from wide barriers, GOOD FIT, SURE PEACE and HIT A HOME RUN were all shifted across behind runners. Shortly after the start, SUM WIN DRAGON and TRAVEL AMBASSADOR bumped on a number of occasions, resulting in TRAVEL AMBASSADOR being taken out onto DIGITAL GENERATION which became badly unbalanced after being bumped by TRAVEL AMBASSADOR. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, GLENEALY PRIZE was hampered and TRUE COMMENT checked when crowded for room inside EQUITY DOCTRINE which got its head on the side and shifted in away from WORKS OF ART. A short distance later, EQUITY DOCTRINE was shifted out across the heels of WORKS OF ART (M Chadwick) which shifted in when not quite clear. As the Stewards were satisfied that EQUITY DOCTRINE’s racing manners had contributed significantly to this incident, no further action was taken, however, M Chadwick was advised to ensure that he is properly clear of other runners when shifting ground. GOLD DRAGON, which was following TRUE COMMENT, was hampered in consequence. In this incident, EQUITY DOCTRINE became unbalanced after being galloped on by TRUE COMMENT. Making the turn near the 700 Metres, TRUE COMMENT, which was being ridden along to maintain its position, was momentarily crowded for room between SURE PEACE and TRAVEL AMBASSADOR which shifted out marginally. After this, TRUE COMMENT gave ground and subsequently finished tailed out. The performance of TRUE COMMENT was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TRUE COMMENT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Rounding the Home Turn, TRAVEL AMBASSADOR raced tight outside GLENEALY PRIZE which shifted out. For some distance in the early part of the Straight, GOOD FIT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY SEVEN STARS when endeavouring to improve into tight running outside that horse and inside GOLD DRAGON. As GOOD FIT was improving to the outside of LUCKY SEVEN STARS, GOOD FIT was hampered and taken wider when LUCKY SEVEN STARS shifted out abruptly away from TRAVEL AMBASSADOR. In this incident, LUCKY SEVEN STARS became unbalanced after receiving contact on the hindquarters from GOOD FIT. Passing the 250 Metres, WINASWEWISH was shifted out away from the heels of EQUITY DOCTRINE to obtain clear running. For the majority of the race, SUM WIN DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on DIGITAL GENERATION 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. The performance of DIGITAL GENERATION, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DIGITAL GENERATION 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 GOLD DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TRAVEL AMBASSADOR, WORKS OF ART and GLENEALY PRIZE were sent for sampling.