02/04/2017  Shatin  Race 2

HASTILY FEET was slow to begin. DANEWIN EXPRESS began awkwardly and was then bumped by BERNARD’S CHOICE which shifted out. O’SOCOOLE began only fairly. From a wide barrier, OPTIMISM was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, SUPERNATURAL failed to muster speed. Near the 1350 Metres, FORTUNE BROTHERS momentarily raced tight between BE THERE AHEAD and HAPPY GAINS which shifted in. HAPPY GAINS was then straightened to prevent shifting in further, resulting in BERNARD’S CHOICE, which was racing behind HAPPY GAINS, being hampered in consequence. For some distance after the 1200 Metres, DANEWIN EXPRESS got its head up when proving difficult to settle. Near the 450 Metres, HASTILY FEET was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY GAINS when being shifted out to obtain clear running. Approaching the 200 Metres, BERNARD’S CHOICE was shifted out from behind O’SOCOOLE to obtain clear running. Approaching the 150 Metres, O’SOCOOLE was momentarily eased to avoid the heels of LUCKY PLACE (O Doleuze) which shifted in. O Doleuze was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. When questioned regarding the performance of FANTASTICLIFE, C Y Ho stated that the horse raced back in the field in accordance with its usual racing pattern. He said FANTASTICLIFE travelled satisfactorily in the middle stages, however, after being placed under pressure prior to the 500 Metres, the horse did not quicken as he thought it would and then, despite being placed under heavy pressure in the Straight, did not run on. He added FANTASTICLIFE’s action felt normal and he was unable to offer any explanation for the horse’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of FANTASTICLIFE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Having regard to FANTASTICLIFE’s most recent racing form, the performance of the horse, which finished towards the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FANTASTICLIFE 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 O’SOCOOLE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, O’SOCOOLE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SUPERNATURAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HASTILY FEET, RED HORSE and REWARDING FLYER were sent for sampling. <4/3/2017 Additional Veterinary Report>FANTASTICLIFE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. FANTASTICLIFE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C Fownes this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front and both hind legs. As previously advised, FANTASTICLIFE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.