08/04/2018  Shatin  Race 2

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP was slow to begin. A STAR LUSTER began awkwardly, shifted out at the start and lost ground after being awkwardly placed inside the heels of SPICY DOUBLE which was taken in by MI BLANCO. CITY WINNER was crowded for room shortly after the start between EMPIRE OF MONGOLIA and SUPERNATURAL, both of which shifted ground. After this, CITY WINNER was shifted across behind runners. From wide barriers, BEST JADE TRIUMPH, GLENEALY PRIZE and LOYAL CRAFTSMAN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1600 Metres, EMPIRE OF MONGOLIA got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover. Near the 1550 Metres, SPICY DOUBLE got its head up when being checked away from the heels of MI BLANCO which was taken in by GENTLEMEN (M Chadwick). M Chadwick was reprimanded. For some distance approaching and passing the 1500 Metres, A STAR LUSTER, which was proving difficult to settle, got its head up when awkwardly placed behind DOUBLE POINT. Approaching and passing the winning post on the first occasion, EMPIRE OF MONGOLIA travelled keenly. Passing the 1300 Metres, SPICY DOUBLE commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when being checked away from the heels of MI BLANCO. Near the 150 Metres, M Chadwick dropped his whip. Passing the 150 Metres, HAPPY FRIENDSHIP went amiss in its left front leg and fell, resulting in its rider, D Whyte, being dislodged. CITY WINNER, which was following, was unable to avoid HAPPY FRIENDSHIP and made heavy contact with that horse, resulting in CITY WINNER being severely checked and almost falling, causing its rider, A Sanna, to be dislodged. The Veterinary Officer reported that immediately following the race CITY WINNER was found to be bleeding from both nostrils, became distressed and collapsed. Subsequently both D Whyte and A Sanna were examined by the Club’s medical officer and passed fit to fulfil their remaining race riding engagements. A Sanna was again examined and confirmed as being fit to continue riding after riding CURLING LUXURY in Race 5. For the majority of the race, SUPERNATURAL travelled wide and without cover. The performances of A STAR LUSTER and BEST JADE TRIUMPH, both of which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, A STAR LUSTER and BEST JADE TRIUMPH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SUPERNATURAL was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SUPERNATURAL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MI BLANCO, GLENEALY PRIZE and GENTLEMEN were sent for sampling. Samples were also taken from HAPPY FRIENDSHIP and CITY WINNER.