25/03/2018  Shatin  Race 7

MYTHICAL EMPEROR stumbled at the start and then throughout the race travelled wide and without cover. LASTING FRIENDSHIP began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of WINNING VANGOGH. After this, LASTING FRIENDSHIP was shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier. Passing the 600 Metres, GIDDY GIDDY was awkwardly placed outside the heels of STAR OF JOY which shifted out. Rounding the Home Turn, DRAGON MASTER was awkwardly placed inside SUNNY DRAGON when improving into tight running inside that horse. After the 200 Metres, DRAGON MASTER got its head on the side and shifted out under pressure. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WINNING VANGOGH, Apprentice M F Poon stated that whilst he had to make some use of the horse in the early stages to cross runners to his inside, he was able to shift in to race outside the leader and the eventual winner PERPETUAL TREASURE prior to the 800 Metres. He said WINNING VANGOGH travelled only fairly in the middle stages and then when placed under pressure in the Straight the horse’s action deteriorated and it appeared reluctant to stretch out. He said WINNING VANGOGH pulled up quickly after passing the winning post and then still did not feel comfortable in its action when trotting back to the unplaced runners’ area. A veterinary inspection of WINNING VANGOGH immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, WINNING VANGOGH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PERPETUAL TREASURE had sustained a minor wound to its left hind coronet. A veterinary inspection of BORNTOACHIEVE and SUNNY DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. STAR OF JOY, PERPETUAL TREASURE and DRAGON MASTER were sent for sampling.