28/04/2019  Shatin  Race 8

TIME WARP shifted in at the start and bumped FURORE. WIN BRIGHT began awkwardly. From wide barriers, DINOZZO and EAGLE WAY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, EMINENT failed to muster speed. Approaching the 1800 Metres, DARK DREAM and WAIKUKU were crowded for room inside FURORE (H Bowman) which shifted in. After racing tight inside FURORE for a short distance, DARK DREAM and WAIKUKU were further crowded for room after the 1800 Metres inside FURORE which at this time was taken in by TIME WARP (K Teetan) which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the tightening to FURORE. Both H Bowman and K Teetan were severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that they leave sufficient racing room for runners to their inside in similar circumstances. Approaching the 1600 Metres, WAIKUKU was left racing wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground and finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of WAIKUKU immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of WAIKUKU was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WAIKUKU will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Passing the 1300 Metres, LYS GRACIEUX was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DARK DREAM. Passing the 1200 Metres, EXULTANT got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of EMINENT. Passing the 900 Metres, LYS GRACIEUX was awkwardly placed behind DARK DREAM which was racing close to the heels of FURORE. After the 700 Metres, WAIKUKU was bumped by LYS GRACIEUX which was taken out by DINOZZO. EXULTANT, which was following, was shifted out away from the heels of WAIKUKU in consequence. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FURORE, H Bowman stated that it had been intended for the horse to be ridden in about midfield if possible. He said FURORE began well and despite not being ridden along took up a more forward position in the early stages than had been intended. He said as the tempo of the race was good in the early stages, he allowed his mount to improve forward of WAIKUKU to obtain a position behind the speed. He said this resulted in FURORE racing more prominently than had been anticipated. He said the race in the middle stages was run at a strong tempo and, in his opinion, this did not suit FURORE as the horse did not travel as well as it did when he had previously ridden it. He said at the 800 Metres FURORE came off the bridle, however, the horse was able to maintain its position until approaching the 500 Metres at which time FURORE came under heavy pressure. He added FURORE did not quicken as it had for him previously and then did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of FURORE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of EMINENT, which gave ground from the 700 Metres, immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of DARK DREAM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WIN BRIGHT and EXULTANT were sent for sampling.