07/05/2017  Shatin  Race 9

LOOK ERAS began awkwardly. LOOK ERAS was then vigorously ridden along from a wide barrier, however, failed to muster speed and after the 1100 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. DIAMOND DRAGON was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Near the 1050 Metres, PAKISTAN BABY raced in restricted room between ELITE SPIRIT and ARIZONA BLIZZARD which was racing tight inside GREEN CARD. When being steadied after the 800 Metres in the lead, MR RIGHT commenced to travel keenly, got its head on the side and shifted out. Near the 750 Metres, ELITE SPIRIT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of INVINCIBLE FRESH. Approaching the 300 Metres, EASY TOUCH was steadied away from the heels of THE JUDGE (O Doleuze) which shifted out. O Doleuze was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground unless clear of other runners. Near the 150 Metres, ARIZONA BLIZZARD got its head on the side, lay out and bumped LOOK ERAS which became unbalanced. LOOK ERAS then shifted ground inwards abruptly, making further contact with ARIZONA BLIZZARD, resulting in both horses becoming badly unbalanced. When questioned regarding the performance of EASY TOUCH, H Bowman stated that as he was instructed to take up a forward position, he rode his mount hard in the early stages. He said however that EASY TOUCH did not show early speed and as there were a considerable number of horses to his inside, he did not believe it was reasonable to continue on, therefore he elected to steady the horse to obtain a positon with cover after the 1300 Metres. He said although EASY TOUCH had cover behind LOOK ERAS, the horse hung out making the first turn and then continued to lay out. He added although EASY TOUCH had to be steadied approaching the 300 Metres, the horse was well beaten at this time and then did not respond to his riding thereafter. A veterinary inspection of EASY TOUCH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, EASY TOUCH 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 MR RIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LITTLE GIANT and GREEN CARD were sent for sampling. <8/5/2017 Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that INVINCIBLE FRESH was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, INVINCIBLE FRESH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.