Race:1 (585) JOCKEY CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS 20TH ANNIVERSARY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1000 m

After being loaded into the barriers, ELITE DREAM became fractious, reared and momentarily sat down. ELITE DREAM was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, ELITE DREAM will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test.
TOM’S DRAGON shifted out at the start and bumped LIGHTNING STEED.
LIGHTNING TREASURE began awkwardly and lost ground.
Shortly after the start, NATURAL FLARE was hampered and SHIMMER AND SHINE checked when crowded for room between LUCKY KINGDOM which shifted in and ELITE DREAM which shifted out abruptly despite the efforts of its rider.
Also shortly after the start, JUST NOT LISTENING shifted out and bumped PEARLY TREASURE which in turn shifted out and hampered TOM’S DRAGON and LIGHTNING STEED. In this incident, PEARLY TREASURE lost its left front plate.
Approaching the 700 Metres, SHIMMER AND SHINE got its head up when travelling keenly.
Passing the 700 Metres, TOM’S DRAGON was bumped by ELITE DREAM which shifted in and improved into tight running between that horse and LIGHTNING STEED.
Near the 500 Metres, ELITE DREAM was steadied when crowded for room between TOM’S DRAGON (N Rawiller) which shifted out marginally before LIGHTNING STEED shifted in marginally. N Rawiller was advised that whilst his mount did not shift a great deal of ground in this incident, nonetheless he must ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground and causing interference to other runners.
Passing the 300 Metres, NATURAL FLARE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of LIGHTNING TREASURE which lay out.
Over the final 200 Metres, NICE FANDANGO hung in under pressure and proved difficult to ride.
When questioned, B Prebble stated that after being fractious in the barriers, ELITE DREAM shifted out abruptly at the start. He said as ELITE DREAM did not feel comfortable in its action in the early stages, he felt that the horse may have been galloped on when causing interference to runners on his outside shortly after the start. He said however that after travelling some distance ELITE DREAM commenced to travel more comfortably. He said when racing tight between LIGHTNING STEED and TOM’S DRAGON at the 500 Metres, he was reluctant to ride his mount along at this stage to maintain his position between those horses as ELITE DREAM had previously been declared a "roarer” and he did not want to make use of his mount too far from the end of the race. He added after being crowded for room, ELITE DREAM came under pressure and then did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of ELITE DREAM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, an endoscopic examination of ELITE DREAM was not able to be performed due to that horse being fractious. It was noted that ELITE DREAM had previously been diagnosed to be a "roarer”.
After the race, T Berry reported that LIGHTNING STEED had got its tongue over the bit during the race.
Also after the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CURLING LUXURY had sustained a cut to the outside of the left hind cannon.
A veterinary inspection of PEARLY TREASURE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
NICE FANDANGO and GOODLUCK GOODLUCK were sent for sampling.
<23/4/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>PEARLY TREASURE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. PEARLY TREASURE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer W Y So yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, PEARLY TREASURE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:2 (586) NURTURING COMPASSIONATE LEADERS HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

ELUSIVE STATE (O Doleuze) shifted out at the start and bumped TOP ACE. When being ridden along, ELUSIVE STATE then shifted in, resulting in UNIQUE JOYOUS and ENORMOUS HONOUR being crowded for room. O Doleuze was reprimanded and advised that he would be expected to make more effort than he did on this occasion to prevent his mounts from shifting ground.
For some distance after the 1400 Metres, ELUSIVE STATE got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed behind SUPERIOR BOY.
UNIQUE JOYOUS got its head on the side and lay out making the turn after the 600 Metres.
At the entrance to the Straight, NAMJONG INVINCIBLE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LET US WIN when being shifted to the outside of that horse to obtain clear running.
Near the 150 Metres, GOLDEN SLEEP raced tight between GRAND HARBOUR and LET US WIN (J Moreira) which lay in. This resulted in J Moreira having to stop riding and straighten his mount. After this, LET US WIN continued to lay in and proved difficult to ride, resulting in J Moreira having to again stop riding and straighten his mount close to the finishing line.
Throughout the race, TOP ACE travelled wide and without cover.
When interviewed, A Sanna (ENORMOUS HONOUR) stated that when riding his mount out with the whip in the right hand, his whip became caught under the breast plate near the 100 Metres. He said as he was pulling on the whip to extricate it out from underneath the breast plate, his right shoulder partially dislocated, resulting in him being unable to properly test the horse over the final 100 Metres. He said he had previously suffered a similar injury some ten years ago. He said after the race he dismounted from ENORMOUS HONOUR due to him suffering pain in his right arm and was not able to ride it back to the unsaddling area. As A Sanna was unable to weigh in due to being attended to by medical officers on the track, the Stewards, acting under the powers of Rule 112(5), permitted weighed-in to be notified without Jockey Sanna having weighed in as they were satisfied that there were no circumstances to suggest that less than the proper weight had been carried by ENORMOUS HONOUR throughout the race. A Sanna was subsequently stood down by the Club’s medical officer for his remaining riding engagements and was transported to hospital for treatment. On arrival back at the track after being treated, A Sanna was cleared to ride track work. Jockey Sanna was advised that he must be cleared by the Club’s medical officer prior to being permitted to ride in races again. A further release will be made at the appropriate time.
A veterinary inspection of SEMPITERNAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
GOLDEN SLEEP, NAMJONG INVINCIBLE and LET US WIN were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (587) INNOVATIVE CHANGEMAKER HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1400 m

GLORY HORSIE was withdrawn on 20.4.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter CORRE RAPIDO. Before being allowed to race again, GLORY HORSIE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
WINNING CONTROLLER began awkwardly and bumped the outside of its gate and then lost further ground after shifting out and bumping the hindquarters of HAPPY SOUND which also became unbalanced when bumped by WINNING CONTROLLER.
GOOD CHOICE AHEAD began awkwardly.
Shortly after the start, G-ONE UNION was crowded for room between AMBITIOUS SPEEDY and GOLDEN CANNON, both of which shifted ground. After this, from a wide barrier, G-ONE UNION was shifted across behind runners.
Also from a wide barrier, STARRY STARLIES was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
CORRE RAPIDO lost its right front plate after the 1200 Metres.
For some distance after the 1200 Metres, GOLDEN CANNON proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of DON WONGCHOY.
CHARITY KINGDOM lost its right front plate at the 1000 Metres.
GOOD CHOICE AHEAD lost its left hind plate near the 900 Metres.
Near the 350 Metres, GOOD CHOICE AHEAD and TRIUMPHAL TRUMPET bumped as GOOD CHOICE AHEAD attempted to improve into tight running between that horse and THE CHAMP. After this, GOOD CHOICE AHEAD was held up when awkwardly placed behind THE CHAMP and near the 300 Metres was shifted to the inside of that horse. GOOD CHOICE AHEAD was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 100 Metres.
G-ONE UNION was shifted to the outside of AMBITIOUS SPEEDY approaching the 200 Metres after being disappointed for running between that horse and GOLDEN CANNON.
After the 200 Metres, WINNING CONTROLLER momentarily raced in restricted room inside HAPPY SOUND when improving into tight running inside that horse.
U Rispoli (TRIUMPHAL TRUMPET) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of CORRE RAPIDO, causing that horse to be taken out onto DON WONGCHOY which was checked when crowded for room inside GOLDEN CANNON. U Rispoli was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 29 April 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 3 May 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Rispoli’s good race riding record.
After being corrected to prevent TRIUMPHAL TRUMPET from shifting out further, TRIUMPHAL TRUMPET shifted in abruptly, resulting in THE CHAMP being momentarily crowded for room between that horse and GOOD CHOICE AHEAD.
Throughout the race, CHARITY KINGDOM travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground.
Also throughout the race, DON WONGCHOY travelled wide and without cover.
STARRY STARLIES lost its right front plate after the race.
GOOD CHOICE AHEAD, WINNING CONTROLLER and TRIUMPHANT LIGHT were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (588) NURTURING TALENT HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

BOSSIEE was withdrawn on 20.4.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter OCEAN ELITE (C Schofield). Before being allowed to race again, BOSSIEE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
OCEAN ELITE and SAM’S LOVE were slow to begin.
ALL YOU NEED began awkwardly and then shortly after the start was checked away from the heels of COMPLACENCY which began awkwardly and shifted out abruptly.
From wide barriers, EMERALD SPUR and LIVERBIRD STAR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 1100 Metres, TOP STRIKE, which was travelling keenly, got its head up when momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of MULTIMAX.
Near the 950 Metres, ALL YOU NEED momentarily raced tight between OCEAN ELITE and EMERALD SPUR which shifted in. EMERALD SPUR was then shifted out to relieve the tightening to ALL YOU NEED. Then making the first turn near the 900 Metres, ALL YOU NEED got its head up and shifted out towards the heels of EMERALD SPUR, resulting in ALL YOU NEED being checked and losing ground. In this incident, EMERALD SPUR became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by ALL YOU NEED.
K C Ng (MULTIMAX) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 900 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of COMPLACENCY, causing that horse to be unnecessarily crowded for room and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. K C Ng was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 29 April 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 3 May 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Ng’s good race riding record.
GRACIOUS RYDER lost its right front plate near the 800 Metres.
Near the 750 Metres, ALL YOU NEED and EMERALD SPUR bumped.
Rounding the Home Turn, ALL YOU NEED was awkwardly placed close to the heels of OCEAN ELITE.
In the early part of the Straight, COMPLACENCY got its head on the side and lay out under pressure and then near the 250 Metres shifted out abruptly towards SHINING ON which was inconvenienced. When being corrected passing the 200 Metres, COMPLACENCY shifted in abruptly. ALL YOU NEED, which was following, was checked away from the heels of COMPLACENCY in consequence. ALL YOU NEED was subsequently shifted in away from the heels of COMPLACENCY passing the 100 Metres.
After the race, it was noted that OCEAN ELITE had blood at its right nostril. A subsequent endoscopic examination of OCEAN ELITE confirmed the horse to be a bleeder.
A veterinary inspection of ALL YOU NEED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
GRACIOUS RYDER and AEROHAPPINESS were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (589) FORCE FOR GOOD HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1800 m

WILLIE WAY began awkwardly.
ENJOYABLE SUCCESS began only fairly,
From the outside barriers, CROWN AVENUE and ROYAL PERFORMER were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 1100 Metres, CROWN AVENUE was checked away from the heels of DYNAMIC EAGLE.
Making the turn near the 700 Metres, GRAN MASTER shifted in and brushed the running rail.
Approaching the 500 Metres, DYNAMIC EAGLE and CROWN AVENUE raced tight as DYNAMIC EAGLE attempted to shift to the outside of RED MARVEL. When DYNAMIC EAGLE was unable to shift out at this time, it was then awkwardly placed behind RED MARVEL for a short distance passing the 500 Metres.
In the early part of the Straight, DYNAMIC EAGLE and CHEERFUL GIGGLES raced tight.
Throughout the race, RED MARVEL travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground.
When questioned, Apprentice C Wong stated that he was instructed to lead on GRAN MASTER and accordingly he rode his mount along to obtain a forward position in the early stages. He said after he established the lead approaching and passing the winning post on the first occasion, TRAVEL FIRST was allowed to improve its position to race outside GRAN MASTER. He said as he did not want that horse to be in a position to cross GRAN MASTER, he allowed his mount more rein approaching and passing the 1400 Metres to ensure that GRAN MASTER maintained the lead. He said after this he was unaware that GRAN MASTER had opened up a margin over the field although he was aware that the race was being run at a faster tempo than he would have hoped, however, at the time he put this down to the fact that he had to allow GRAN MASTER to consolidate the lead. He added after the 1100 Metres he became concerned that the tempo was still strong and for this reason he looked to his inside at which time he established that he had opened up a margin over the remainder of the field. He said he therefore attempted to steady GRAN MASTER to have the horse come back to the field. Apprentice Wong was advised that whilst the Stewards were satisfied that he had taken measures to steady the tempo after the 1100 Metres, nonetheless there was an opportunity for him to have done so earlier than this. He was further advised to ensure that he rates his mounts such that they can finish off the race as best as they are able. A veterinary inspection of GRAN MASTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
WILLIE WAY, GLORIOUS ARTIST and ROYAL PERFORMER were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (590) THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB COMMUNITY TROPHY (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

EMPIRE STAR began only fairly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
ENDEARING shifted out at the start and inconvenienced ROOKIE STAR.
After the 1100 Metres, ROCKET GO got its head up when checked away from the heels of DESTIN which at this time was taken in by AMAZING SATCHMO which was steadied away from the heels of FORTUNATE RUNNER which shifted in to obtain cover behind WINNER ST PAUL’S.
After the 1000 Metres, WINNER ST PAUL’S was left racing wide and without cover.
At the entrance to the Straight, FORTUNATE RUNNER raced tight between AMAZING SATCHMO and DESTIN (T Berry) which shifted out to improve. T Berry was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
GOKO had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight.
Near the 350 Metres, SHANGHAI DRAGON was steadied away from the heels of PERFECT CHOICE which shifted out.
Passing the 100 Metres, N Rawiller (EMPIRE STAR) dropped his whip. As this was the 4th occasion that N Rawiller had dropped his whip this season, he was fined the sum of $5,000.
After the race, U Rispoli expressed concern regarding the action of SHANGHAI DRAGON which weakened noticeably in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of SHANGHAI DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, SHANGHAI DRAGON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of ROOKIE STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
AMAZING SATCHMO, VIVA COUNCIL and YEE CHEONG PEGASUS were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (591) BEYOND ARTS APPRECIATION HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

JOY MASTER was withdrawn on 20.4.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter KA YING LEGEND (N Callan). SUMSTREETSUMWHERE was also withdrawn on 20.4.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, JOY MASTER and SUMSTREETSUMWHERE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
STORM SOLDIER was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was crowded for room inside BORNTOACHIEVE which shifted in.
From the outside barrier, BEAUTY ENERGY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Despite being ridden along vigorously in the early stages, MOMENTUM LUCKY was slow to muster speed and then for the majority of the race travelled wide and without cover.
Near the 1050 Metres, HAPPY HOUR was momentarily crowded for room inside MONICA which got its head on the side and shifted in marginally.
Near the 1000 Metres, BORNTOACHIEVE commenced to prove very difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of KA YING LEGEND (N Callan) and in doing so shifted out towards MOMENTUM LUCKY which at this time was proving very difficult to settle. STAR SHINE, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of BORNTOACHIEVE in consequence. BORNTOACHIEVE was subsequently left racing wide and without cover. N Callan was advised that whilst he was initially clear of BORNTOACHIEVE, he then steadied his mount which made it awkward for BORNTOACHIEVE which at this time was proving very difficult to settle. He was further advised to ensure that he does not steady his mount which results in the margin between horses being reduced.
Making the first turn near the 900 Metres, BEAUTY ENERGY, which was racing ungenerously, got its head on the side and hung out across the heels of STAR SHINE. After this, BEAUTY ENERGY continued to prove difficult to settle and lay out making the turns.
Also making the first turn near the 900 Metres, SIR REDALOT got its head up when awkwardly placed outside the heels of MONICA which shifted out.
Passing the 700 Metres, SIR REDALOT got its head up when being checked away from the heels of KA YING LEGEND.
STAR SHINE lay in under pressure in the Straight.
HANDSOME BO BO and KA YING LEGEND were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (592) EMPOWERING YOUTH HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

VOYAGE KING began only fairly and then lost ground after bumping MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR on jumping.
MIDNIGHT RATTLER shifted out at the start and inconvenienced C P POWER.
FORTUNE PATROL was crowded for room on jumping between THUNDER STOMP and ULTIMATE GLORY, both of which shifted ground.
From the outside barrier, CHUNG WAH SPIRIT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 900 Metres, FORTUNE PATROL raced tight inside C P POWER which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPIRIT. CHUNG WAH SPIRIT, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of C P POWER in consequence and shifted out and inconvenienced ULTIMATE GLORY.
Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, VOYAGE KING was held up behind MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR and unable to improve.
At the entrance to the Straight, C P POWER became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by CHUNG WAH SPIRIT (N Callan) which attempted to improve between that horse and SPIRIT where there was insufficient room. In this incident, CHUNG WAH SPIRIT became badly unbalanced when unable to improve between those two horses which resulted in CHUNG WAH SPIRIT being awkwardly placed behind SPIRIT. N Callan was reprimanded.
After the 400 Metres, BIG BANG BONG (J Moreira) raced tight outside MIDNIGHT RATTLER which at this time shifted out from behind the leader DOLLAR REWARD to obtain clear running. MIDNIGHT RATTLER and BIG BANG BONG then raced tight for some distance, resulting in MIDNIGHT RATTLER making contact with the hindquarters of BIG BANG BONG approaching the 300 Metres. When bumped on the hindquarters, BIG BANG BONG shifted in marginally, resulting in MIDNIGHT RATTLER being awkwardly placed inside the heels of that horse approaching and passing the 300 Metres. Then near the 250 Metres, MIDNIGHT RATTLER, which was inclined to shift out, was checked away from the heels of BIG BANG BONG which shifted in marginally before being corrected by its rider. Having regard to the circumstances of this incident, J Moreira was advised that whilst BIG BANG BONG had not shifted a significant amount of ground, nonetheless when riding tight with another runner, he must ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground and causing unnecessary interference.
Passing the 100 Metres, MIDNIGHT RATTLER raced tight outside SPEEDY KING which got its head on the side and shifted out.
Throughout the race, THUNDER STOMP travelled wide and without cover.
After the race, N Rawiller expressed concern regarding the action of CALLING THE SHOTS. A veterinary inspection of CALLING THE SHOTS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, CALLING THE SHOTS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of SPIRIT and CHUNG WAH SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of C P POWER immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a minor wound to the right hind pastern.
BIG BANG BONG and ULTIMATE GLORY were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (593) AGE-FRIENDLY CITY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

GIDDY GIDDY shifted out at the start, hampering STAR OF JOY and GENEROUS HEART.
UGLY WARRIOR shifted in at the start and bumped WINNING VANGOGH.
From a wide barrier, DRAGON MASTER was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
Despite being ridden along in the early stages, GIDDY GIDDY failed to muster speed and near the 1100 Metres was steadied and lost ground when crowded for room between STAR OF JOY which shifted in marginally and MYTHICAL EMPEROR which shifted out. GIDDY GIDDY consequently travelled further back in the field than is usual.
ELITE BOY lay in in the Straight and passing the 200 Metres became unbalanced when corrected by its rider as ELITE BOY was shifting in towards UGLY WARRIOR. ELITE BOY continued to lay in under pressure and near the 50 Metres was again corrected by its rider.
Close to the finishing line, TAKING AIM was awkwardly placed inside the heels of GENEROUS HEART which shifted in. Consequently, TAKING AIM was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race.
Throughout the race, LUCKY DOLLAR travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground.
Also throughout the race, ELITE BOY travelled wide and without cover.
After the race, O Doleuze reported that DRAGON MASTER did not feel comfortable in its action during the race and gave ground in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of DRAGON MASTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, DRAGON MASTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of WINNING VANGOGH and LUCKY DOLLAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
UGLY WARRIOR and ELITE BOY were sent for sampling.

Race:10 (594) SPORTS FOR ALL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1400 m

As the start was effected, PENANG HALL lifted its head and consequently was very slow to begin. Before being allowed to race again, PENANG HALL will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test.
XIANG BAI QI began only fairly.
REGENCY BO BO began awkwardly.
Shortly after the start, TURIN REDSTAR and GUNNISON were crowded for room inside INFINITY ENDEAVOUR which shifted in when being steadied to obtain a position with cover from a wide barrier. After this, TURIN REDSTAR was also shifted across from a wide barrier to obtain cover.
From a wide barrier, HARMONY HERO was steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover.
Passing the 1100 Metres, TURIN REDSTAR was awkwardly placed behind GUNNISON which was steadied in an attempt to obtain cover. When awkwardly placed behind GUNNISON, TURIN REDSTAR shifted in and bumped HARMONY HERO which in turn shifted in, resulting in WORLD RECORD and FORTUNE BOOTH being momentarily crowded for room. GUNNISON was then allowed to stride forward to improve its position and near the 850 Metres was shifted out abruptly away from the heels of ALMABABY to prevent causing interference to GREAT PROFIT and COBY BOY. GUNNISON continued to race wide and without cover for the remainder of the race.
Making the turn near the 900 Metres, WORLD RECORD got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of HARMONY HERO.
After the 700 Metres, TURIN REDSTAR was left racing wide and without cover.
Rounding the Home Turn, APOLLO’S CHOICE raced tight between GREAT PROFIT and FORTUNE BOOTH when attempting to improve into tight running between those horses.
Approaching the 300 Metres, APOLLO’S CHOICE raced tight outside FORTUNE BOOTH (T Berry) which shifted out. Then passing the 300 Metres, APOLLO’S CHOICE was steadied and after some distance shifted to the inside of FORTUNE BOOTH to obtain clear running. T Berry was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
For some distance after the 300 Metres, HARMONY HERO was badly held up for clear running and passing the 200 Metres shifted to the outside of GUNNISON to obtain clear running and in doing so inconvenienced PEOPLE’S KNIGHT. A veterinary inspection of HARMONY HERO immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, HARMONY HERO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
When questioned regarding the performance of PEOPLE’S KNIGHT, Apprentice C Wong stated that in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along in the early stages to take up a forward position. He said PEOPLE’S KNIGHT travelled comfortably in the early and middle stages, however, came under pressure rounding the Home Turn at which time the horse appeared to shorten in its action. He said after failing to show any turn of foot in the early part of the Straight, PEOPLE’S KNIGHT was then disappointing in the manner in which it weakened in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of PEOPLE’S KNIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of PEOPLE’S KNIGHT, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PEOPLE’S KNIGHT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
After the race, J Moreira (GUNNISON) stated that, from an outside barrier, he was left racing very wide after the 1200 Metres. He said it had been hoped that GUNNISON would be able to obtain cover in the early stages as it was attempting the 1400 Metres for the first time. He said after being unable to obtain cover, he elected to ride his mount along in the hope that he would be able to obtain a more forward position, however, he was still unable to obtain cover on GUNNISON which resulted in the horse continuing to have to race wide and without cover. He said when improving his position in an attempt to avoid racing unnecessarily wide, he was forced to ride the horse along as the tempo of the race in the middle stages was quite strong. He said due to the circumstances of the race in the early and middle stages, GUNNISON was then not able to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of GUNNISON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
HARMONY HERO, COBY BOY and FORTUNE BOOTH were sent for sampling.