03/12/2017  Shatin  Race 8

GOLDEN KID was crowded for room shortly after the start between PERFECT CHOICE and LOADED which shifted out. From the outside barriers, QUICK RETURN and IMPERIAL CONCORDE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. BEST EFFORT was hard ridden in the early stages to obtain a forward position, however, was unable to cross GOLDIE FLANKER. GOLDIE FLANKER then took charge of its rider and was checked away from the heels of ROMAN IMPERO for a considerable distance prior to and after the 1400 Metres. As a result, GOLDIE FLANKER shifted out and hampered BEST EFFORT. Approaching the 1400 Metres, SPICY KAKA was steadied in an attempt to obtain a position closer to the rail, however, throughout the race travelled wide. Approaching the 1300 Metres, FIVE STARS AGENT was shifted out away from the heels of VIVA COUNCIL after being awkwardly placed behind that horse which at this time got its head on the side and lay out when reluctant to shift in towards the rail. ROMAN IMPERO, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence. PERFECT CHOICE travelled keenly approaching and passing the 1200 Metres. Near the 1200 Metres, GOLDEN KID and QUICK RETURN were crowded for room after both horses improved to be racing inside GOLDIE FLANKER which shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ROMAN IMPERO when continuing to prove difficult to settle. After passing the 1200 Metres, GOLDIE FLANKER shifted out away from the heels of ROMAN IMPERO, resulting in BEST EFFORT being taken wider. BEST EFFORT was consequently left racing wide and without cover when SPICY KAKA and TOP ACE were able to improve as a result of BEST EFFORT being taken wider by GOLDIE FLANKER. Approaching the 1100 Metres, LOADED got its head on the side and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of GOLDEN KID. Making the turn near the 700 Metres, GRAND HARBOUR was awkwardly placed outside the heels of VIVA COUNCIL which got its head on the side and lay out. In the early part of the Straight, IMPERIAL CONCORDE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SPICY KAKA which shifted out. Throughout the race, GRAND HARBOUR travelled wide and without cover. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on VIVA COUNCIL at the request of Trainer L Ho. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, VIVA COUNCIL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. 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. The performance of GOLDIE FLANKER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GOLDIE FLANKER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of BEST EFFORT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of BEST EFFORT, which finished tailed out, was also considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BEST EFFORT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FIVE STARS AGENT, ROMAN IMPERO and QUICK RETURN were sent for sampling. <4/12/2017 Additional Veterinary Report>After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on TOP ACE at the request of Trainer A T Millard. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea and that the horse was also found to be lame in its left hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, TOP ACE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.