24/09/2017  Shatin  Race 6

BEAR CHUM began only fairly. GOLDIE FLANKER was crowded for room at the start between STARLOT and REGENCY DARLING which shifted out. In this incident, STARLOT became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by GOLDIE FLANKER. From wide barriers, GENTRY and SPICY KAKA were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the first turn near the 700 Metres, ELEGANCE PROMISE became unbalanced of its own accord and shifted in towards the rail. ELEGANCE PROMISE then shifted out and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GIDDY GIDDY. Throughout the race, VIVA COUNCIL travelled wide and without cover and after the 600 Metres got its head on the side and lay out. Mr C W Chang, the trainer of STAR SUPERIOR, stated that it had been intended for the horse to be ridden more quietly from the wide barrier as STAR SUPERIOR, when ridden in a forward position at its last start, did not close off as expected. He said carrying 132 lbs and having drawn the outside barrier, it was felt that were STAR SUPERIOR to be ridden more positively, the horse may again not finish off the race. The performance of ELEGANCE PROMISE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ELEGANCE PROMISE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, K C Leung stated that he had been instructed to attempt to shift to the outside of runners in the Straight on GOLDIE FLANKER as the horse had previously performed well when ridden in this manner. He said in the early and middle stages GOLDIE FLANKER was racing to the inside of STAR SUPERIOR and he was not able to shift to that horse’s outside as he would have had to give up too much ground to be able to come out from behind STAR SUPERIOR. He said it was not until after the 500 Metres that he was able to shift out from behind STAR SUPERIOR, however, at this time there were a number of runners which were still racing to the outside of GOLDIE FLANKER and because of this he was not able to shift to the outside to make his finishing run. He added GOLDIE FLANKER finished off the race only fairly before being awkwardly placed inside the heels of SWEET HOME over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of GOLDIE FLANKER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. GOLDIE FLANKER, STAR SUPERIOR and VIVA COUNCIL were sent for sampling.