11/06/2017  Shatin  Race 5

After being placed in the barriers, GRADE ONE became very fractious, reared abruptly and then sat down. In this incident, S Clipperton was caught between the horse and the overhead structure and was then dislodged from GRADE ONE which continued to be very fractious in the barriers. Acting on veterinary advice that GRADE ONE was not suitable to race, the horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Irrespective, S Clipperton was deemed unfit to fulfil his engagement on GRADE ONE by the Club’s medical officers and was subsequently stood down from his remaining race riding engagements. Before being allowed to race again, GRADE ONE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JE PENSE began awkwardly and then was crowded for room on jumping between SICHUAN BOSS and BEST EFFORT which was taken out by TEAM SWEET which shifted out abruptly after beginning awkwardly. CHIU CHOW KID was slow to begin. GOLDEN ACHIEVER began awkwardly and lost ground. For some distance approaching and passing the 1300 Metres, TRIUMPHANT LIGHT travelled keenly. LUCKY SEVEN STARS proved very difficult to settle for some distance approaching and passing the 1100 Metres. Passing the 350 Metres, BEST EFFORT was shifted out away from the heels of TRIUMPHANT LIGHT and brushed THE SHOW. When questioned, Apprentice M F Poon (SUCH A HAPPINESS) stated that from the outside barrier he had been asked to obtain a position with cover if possible even if this meant having to race in a three wide position. He said SUCH A HAPPINESS began well and he immediately commenced to shift across with a view to obtaining a position closer to the rail. He said the tempo of the race in the early stages was quite good and it appeared as though the field would open up and he briefly felt that there might have been an opportunity for SUCH A HAPPINESS to shift in to obtain cover, however, due to the circumstances of the race he was not able to position SUCH A HAPPINESS behind another runner and SUCH A HAPPINESS was therefore left racing wide and without cover throughout the race. He added the tempo of the race gradually increased from about the 800 Metres and SUCH A HAPPINESS had to work too hard in order to maintain its position. He said in the Straight SUCH A HAPPINESS finished off the race one-paced, however, given the circumstances of the race, the run was better than it appeared. A veterinary inspection of SUCH A HAPPINESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of JE PENSE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PO CHING TREASURE and INFINITY ENDEAVOUR were sent for sampling.