29/04/2018  Shatin  Race 3

DIAMOND DRAGON began awkwardly, shifted in abruptly at the start and bumped the hindquarters of GENERAL DINO, causing both horses to become unbalanced and DIAMOND DRAGON to lose ground. BEST REWARD shifted in at the start and bumped AMAZING AGILITY. From wide barriers, GOLD LAND and HOME RUN were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Approaching the 1200 Metres, FAMOUS WARRIOR momentarily raced tight inside RULE THEE which shifted in. Passing the 1200 Metres, DIAMOND DRAGON commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of FRIENDS OF NANJING. DIAMOND DRAGON then shifted out away from the heels of FRIENDS OF NANJING passing the 1100 Metres and consequently raced tight between FRIENDS OF NANJING and RULE THEE which was shifting in. DIAMOND DRAGON continued to race ungenerously and had to be checked away from the heels of SKY MELODY for some distance before being shifted out away from the heels of that horse. After this, DIAMOND DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. When DIAMOND DRAGON shifted out passing the 1100 Metres, RULE THEE, was taken wider. GOLD LAND then improved to be racing inside the heels of RULE THEE passing the 1000 Metres which resulted in RULE THEE being forced to race wide and without cover until approaching the 600 Metres. The racing manners of DIAMOND DRAGON were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DIAMOND DRAGON must barrier trial to be satisfaction of the Stewards around a bend. Near the 650 Metres, GOLD LAND was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SKY MELODY which at this time was taken out marginally by FRIENDS OF NANJING. Passing the 200 Metres, FAMOUS WARRIOR was momentarily held up when improving into tight running inside UNICRON JEWELLERY which shifted in marginally under pressure. Then passing the 150 Metres, FAMOUS WARRIOR raced tight inside UNICRON JEWELLERY. Approaching and passing the 100 Metres, AMAZING AGILITY was held up for clear running. AMAZING AGILITY was then able to obtain clear running approaching the 50 Metres. After the race, C Schofield was dislodged from NEW ELEGANCE without incident. When questioned, S Clipperton stated that stepping up in distance to 1600 Metres and with Sheepskin Cheek Pieces applied, SHAMPORT travelled too keenly throughout to be able to finish off the race. He said although the race was run at a good tempo, SHAMPORT would not settle as he had hoped and he felt that this was the principal reason for the horse weakening over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of SHAMPORT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LAND GRANT and FAMOUS WARRIOR were sent for sampling.