23/12/2018  Shatin  Race 1

RUGBY DIAMOND began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped SURE SUPREME which became unbalanced. On jumping, FIRST BEAUT shifted out and made contact with KEEP GOING and then a short distance later was bumped by MASSIVE MOVE which shifted out. This resulted in MASSIVE MOVE and FIRST BEAUT becoming unbalanced. At the 250 Metres, HAPPY SOUND and FIRST BEAUT made contact. KEEP GOING was unable to be ridden out all the way to the finishing line when held up on the heels of RUGBY DIAMOND over the concluding stages. When questioned, K C Leung stated that in accordance with his instructions he had TRENDIFUL racing in a prominent position in the early stages from its outside draw. He said however that TRENDIFUL did not travel at any stage throughout the early and middle stages and came under heavy pressure as far out as the 500 Metres to maintain its position. He added TRENDIFUL then did not respond to his riding, gave ground and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of TRENDIFUL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, J Moreira was unable to offer any explanation for the performance of FIRST BEAUT which weakened over the latter stages. A veterinary inspection of FIRST BEAUT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FIRST BEAUT, MANFUL STAR and PADDINGTON were sent for sampling. <24/12/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>FIRST BEAUT, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. FIRST BEAUT 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, FIRST BEAUT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.