01/10/2018  Shatin  Race 5

RULE THEE was crowded for room on jumping between TIANCHI MONSTER which shifted out and DIAMOND KING which shifted in after beginning awkwardly. A short distance after this, DIAMOND KING shifted out, resulting in PLAY WISE being inconvenienced. After beginning awkwardly from the outside barrier, RAZOR QUEST was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From wide barriers, PLAY WISE, GREEN ENERGY and GOD OF DRAGON were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. RULE THEE was also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. After the 800 Metres, THUNDER STOMP was left racing wide and without cover. After the 700 Metres, GOD OF DRAGON got its head on the side and lay out. As ULTIMATE GLORY was improving into tight running between TIANCHI MONSTER and AEROHAPPINESS passing the 350 Metres, AEROHAPPINESS shifted out marginally, resulting in ULTIMATE GLORY being inconvenienced when taken out onto TIANCHI MONSTER. RULE THEE, which was following TIANCHI MONSTER, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence and brushed THUNDER STOMP. PLAY WISE, which was following THUNDER STOMP, was steadied and shifted away from the heels of that horse. When questioned regarding the performance of AEROHAPPINESS, K Teetan stated that following its first up run this season, it was agreed that AEROHAPPINESS should be suited by the step-up to the 1400 Metres of today’s race. He said as it was felt that AEROHAPPINESS is better suited when following other horses, he was able to obtain a trailing position behind BIG BANG BONG near the 900 Metres and AEROHAPPINESS travelled strongly. He said he shifted AEROHAPPINESS to the outside of BIG BANG BONG rounding the Home Turn and, based on the manner in which the horse had travelled in the early and middle stages, he expected it to sprint well and finish off the race strongly. He said however that on entering the Straight AEROHAPPINESS came under immediate pressure and, despite being vigorously ridden, did not quicken. He added AEROHAPPINESS commenced to give ground after the 300 Metres and then was particularly disappointing in the manner in which it weakened over the final 200 Metres. He said he was unable to offer any explanation for the performance of the horse as AEROHAPPINESS had trialed particularly well in the lead up to today’s race and had felt good in its action both prior to and during the race. A veterinary inspection of AEROHAPPINESS immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of AEROHAPPINESS was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, AEROHAPPINESS 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 DIAMOND KING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AEROHAPPINESS, GREEN ENERGY and HIGH VOLATILITY were sent for sampling.