03/12/2017  Shatin  Race 1

MASSIVE MILLENNIUM (Apprentice H T Mo) began very awkwardly and consequently lost ground. Apprentice Mo, in the presence of Mr F Coetzee, Chief Riding Instructor, was advised that he must make every endeavour to ensure that his mounts are able to begin the race as best as they are able. SNOW HAWK was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. THE CHAMP, which was fractious in the barriers, began awkwardly and then was bumped by SNOWHOOVES which shifted out. THE CHAMP then shifted out away from SNOWHOOVES and bumped the hindquarters of CORRE RAPIDO, resulting in that horse becoming unbalanced. SMILING GLORY and HELLO KIMBERLEY bumped at the start. Then from the outside barriers, SMILING GLORY and HELLO KIMBERLEY were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Making the first turn near the 700 Metres, THE CHAMP was crowded for room between ACTUARIAT and CORRE RAPIDO which shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SKY TREASURE. HELLO KIMBERLEY, which was following, was hampered in consequence. Passing the 300 Metres, O Doleuze (ACTUARIAT) dropped his whip. Passing the 50 Metres, HAPPY SOUND, which was giving ground, momentarily raced in restricted room between WHISTLE UP and RUGBY DIAMOND, both of which shifted ground. SNOWHOOVES was unable to obtain clear running until over the concluding stages and accordingly was not able to be tested. Throughout the race, ACTUARIAT travelled wide and without cover. After the race, SNOWHOOVES was found to have twisted its right front plate. After the race, Z Purton was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of HAPPY SOUND. He said he had to ride the horse along in the early stages to race outside the lead, however, HAPPY SOUND was disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding when placed under pressure. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY SOUND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SNOWHOOVES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SNOWHOOVES, SKY TREASURE and ACTUARIAT were sent for sampling.