16/07/2017  Shatin  Race 4

SMART BOY was withdrawn on 14.7.17 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (right front capped elbow) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter ASSOCIATION FANS (Z Purton). Before being allowed to race again, SMART BOY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ASSOCIATION FANS began awkwardly and then shortly after the start was crowded for room along with HAPPY HAPPY between VARA PEARL and NOBLE DE BOY, both of which shifted ground. After this, both HAPPY HAPPY and ASSOCIATION FANS were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. From the outside barriers, RED ELYSEES and ROCK THE TREE were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Making the turn near the 900 Metres, SPRING WIN was brushed by WINGOLD which lay out. Approaching the 300 Metres, SILVERFIELD was shifted in away from the heels of SALSA BROTHERS to improve. Then passing the 200 Metres, SALSA BROTHERS was brushed by SILVERFIELD which improved into tight running between that horse and WINGOLD. Throughout the race, NOBLE DE BOY travelled wide and without cover. N Callan (RED ELYSEES), 5th placegetter, was spoken to regarding his failure to ride the horse out all the way to the end of the race. Having regard to the half length margin behind the 4th placegetter, WINGOLD and the proximity to the finishing line that Jockey Callan stopped riding, the Stewards were satisfied that his riding did not affect the horse’s final placing, nonetheless he was told to ensure that he rides his mounts out all the way to the end of the race wherever circumstances permit. A veterinary inspection of RED ELYSEES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, Apprentice H N Wong expressed concern regarding the action of SALSA BROTHERS during the race. A veterinary inspection of SALSA BROTHERS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, U Rispoli reported that NOBLE DE BOY, which had previously been recorded as being a "roarer”, had made an abnormal respiratory noise during the race. FIVE STARS AGENT, THE FULL BLOOM and SILVERFIELD were sent for sampling.