02/05/2018  Shatin  Race 1

ELITE POWER was withdrawn on 1.5.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter FAITHFUL BOY (M L Yeung). Before being allowed to race again, ELITE POWER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CATCHMEIFYOUCAN began awkwardly. CORRE RAPIDO began awkwardly, shifted in on jumping and bumped FIVE STARS AGENT, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. CORRE RAPIDO was then steadied and shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier. Shortly after the start, FAITHFUL BOY lost ground after becoming unbalanced when crowded for room between RUGBY DIAMOND and ROCHFORD, both of which shifted marginally. Near the 900 Metres, THE INVINCIBLE and FANTASTIC FABIO bumped as a result of THE INVINCIBLE shifting in. Near the 850 Metres, CORRE RAPIDO got its head up when being checked away from the heels of CATCHMEIFYOUCAN when travelling keenly. CORRE RAPIDO then made the turn near the 700 Metres awkwardly. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, FANTASTIC FABIO raced tight inside ROCHFORD. Near the 50 Metres, CATCHMEIFYOUCAN was shifted out away from the heels of ACTUARIAT which got its head on the side and shifted out. This resulted in its rider, T Berry, having to stop riding and straighten ACTUARIAT. Throughout the race, HAPPY SOUND and REGENCY HONEY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of EVER STRONG, Apprentice H N Wong stated that, unlike at its last start when EVER STRONG was able to work forward from a wide barrier, the horse, after beginning awkwardly and then being ridden along, did not show as much early speed as RUGBY DIAMOND and he was unable to prevent that horse from crossing at the 900 Metres. He said after being crossed, EVER STRONG travelled satisfactorily and then initially commenced to quicken when placed under pressure rounding the Home Turn. He said however that EVER STRONG’s response was limited and the horse came under heavy pressure shortly after entering the Straight and then was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race. He added whilst he did not ride EVER STRONG at its most recent start, he felt the circumstances of the two races were different and in particular tonight’s race was run at a faster overall time than the horse’s run last start when successful. A veterinary inspection of EVER STRONG immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of EVER STRONG, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, EVER STRONG 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 FANTASTIC FABIO and REGENCY HONEY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ROCHFORD, HAPPY SOUND and CORRE RAPIDO were sent for sampling.