08/10/2017  Shatin  Race 7

WINASWEWISH began only fairly. Shortly after the start, WINASWEWISH was awkwardly placed close to the heels of IMPERIAL CONCORDE when being shifted in across behind that horse. From a wide barrier, UNIQUE JOYOUS was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. BEST EFFORT travelled wide and without cover until making the turn near the 700 Metres. Passing the 200 Metres, IMPERIAL CONCORDE and BEST EFFORT brushed. Passing the 150 Metres, ELUSIVE STATE momentarily raced in restricted room inside FIVE STARS AGENT which, after initially shifting in away from SPICY KAKA, was then taken in by that horse. Passing the 100 Metres, NAMJONG INVINCIBLE was crowded for room between GOOD FIT and WINASWEWISH which got its head on the side and shifted out when improving towards the heels of BEST EFFORT. A veterinary inspection of SCARBOROUGH FAIR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SCARBOROUGH FAIR, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SCARBOROUGH FAIR 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, Apprentice M F Poon stated that, from the wide barrier, he had been asked to ride ELUSIVE STATE quietly in the early stages to see if the horse could finish off the race. He said however that throughout the early stages he was left racing wide and without cover and rather than continue to race wide, he allowed his mount to improve its position after the 1100 Metres to obtain the lead after the 900 Metres. After the race, O Doleuze (SURE PEACE) stated that the ring attached to the bit twisted to become lodged across the horse’s nose, thereby causing the horse to be significantly disadvantaged throughout the race due to its breathing being impaired. This was confirmed on the video. A veterinary inspection of SURE PEACE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GRAN MASTER, SPICY KAKA and IMPERIAL CONCORDE were sent for sampling. <9/10/2017 Additional Veterinary Report>SURE PEACE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. SURE PEACE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C W Chang this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg and to have a stiff and restricted action in both hind legs. Before being allowed to race again, SURE PEACE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.