06/05/2018  Shatin  Race 2

VARA PEARL was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sinus infection). Before being allowed to race again, VARA PEARL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOOD CHOICE AHEAD began only fairly. GENERAL O’REILLY began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped MY FOLKS. From a wide barrier, CLEMENT LEGEND was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching and passing the 1300 Metres, LE PANACHE proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied to allow FAITHFUL BOY and LITTLE FANTASY to cross. Near the 1200 Metres, LE PANACHE shifted in and bumped THE SHOW. Rounding the Home Turn, MY FOLKS was taken wider by LE PEGASE which, after racing wide and without cover, was shifted out further to make its run towards the centre of the track. M L Yeung stated that he shifted LE PEGASE out at this time in accordance with his instructions. Passing the 200 Metres, GENERAL O’REILLY was shifted out a number of horses to obtain clear running. When questioned, K Teetan stated that he was asked to ride THE LEGEND wherever it was comfortable and that he was not to ride it along in the early stages to obtain a position. He said at its two most recent starts after being ridden along to take up a forward position, THE LEGEND did not finish off its races and therefore he was asked not to be aggressive on the horse in the early stages to see whether it would finish off the race better when ridden off the speed. When questioned regarding the performance of HAPPY BEAUTY, C Schofield stated that he had ridden the horse in some of its work in the lead up to today’s race and the horse had worked pleasingly. He said based on this work he expected HAPPY BEAUTY to be a strong chance in today’s race. He said however that at no stage in the race did HAPPY BEAUTY travel strongly and, when positioned towards the rear of the field as anticipated, did not quicken when placed under pressure and was most disappointing. He added HAPPY BEAUTY felt comfortable in its action and for this reason he was unable to offer any explanation for the horse’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY BEAUTY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. THE SHOW, GOOD CHOICE AHEAD and FAITHFUL BOY were sent for sampling. <7/5/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>HAPPY BEAUTY, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. HAPPY BEAUTY was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K W Lui this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY BEAUTY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.