02/05/2018  Shatin  Race 2

HALL OF FAME shifted out at the start and was steadied away from the heels of FURIOUS PEGASUS. EMPIRE OF MONGOLIA shifted out on jumping and then for a short distance after the start was awkwardly placed inside STARLIT KNIGHT. Shortly after the start, ROCK THE TREE shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of SEMPITERNAL which became unbalanced. Passing the 1300 Metres, HALL OF FAME commenced to travel keenly and had to be checked away from the heels of FRUITFUL LIFE which for the majority of the race travelled wide and without cover. Passing the 1000 Metres, HALL OF FAME was shifted out away from the heels of FRUITFUL LIFE. Making the turn at the 700 Metres, WONDERFUL CHASER was checked when crowded for room between SEMPITERNAL which got its head on the side and shifted out away from GENTLEMEN which improved into running between that horse and SUPREME STORM and HALL OF FAME which shifted in. GLENEALY PRIZE, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of WONDERFUL CHASER in consequence. Approaching the 400 Metres, DOUBLE POINT was awkwardly placed behind SUPREME STORM and GENTLEMEN. The performances of SUPREME STORM and WONDERFUL CHASER, both of which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPREME STORM and WONDERFUL CHASER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GLENEALY PRIZE, Z Purton stated that, in his opinion, the horse is one that requires everything to go in its favour for it to race well. He said in the middle stages of tonight’s race GLENEALY PRIZE was unable to improve its position when having to race behind the majority of the field. He said when WONDERFUL CHASER was hampered at the 700 Metres, GLENEALY PRIZE lost momentum and after this did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of GLENEALY PRIZE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of GLENEALY PRIZE, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GLENEALY PRIZE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Veterinary Officer reported that FURIOUS PEGASUS was found to have an abnormal action in both hind legs following the race. He advised that this matter will be investigated further in the following days. A veterinary inspection of WONDERFUL CHASER and GENTLEMEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FURIOUS PEGASUS and STARLIT KNIGHT were sent for sampling.