Race:1 (301) THE PATH OF PROGRESS HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1200 m

SOUTHCHINA COMMAND began only fairly.
LOVELY NAUGHTY shifted out at the start and hampered EVER SHINY.
From the outside barrier, PRECIOUS GEM was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Despite being ridden along in the early stages, SLEDGE HAMMER failed to muster speed.
Approaching the 800 Metres, RIBOT LEGACY got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of TANG PALACE.
After the 800 Metres, MIGHTY GAINS was crowded for room between LOVELY NAUGHTY and GOOD YIELD which got its head on the side and shifted out.
Making the first turn near the 700 Metres, GOOD YIELD got it head on the side and hung out badly, resulting in MIGHTY GAINS being severely hampered when taken wide. GOOD YIELD continued to hang out until after entering the Home Straight, resulting in MIGHTY GAINS being further hampered for some distance. GOOD YIELD then finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of GOOD YIELD immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. As GOOD YIELD had been barred at its most recent start for hanging out, the Stewards ruled that prior to being permitted to race again, GOOD YIELD will be required to pass a series of consecutive official barrier trials around a bend and amongst runners and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Approaching the 300 Metres, SOUTHCHINA COMMAND, when being shifted to the inside of GOOD YIELD which was giving ground, was checked away from the heels of PRECIOUS GEM which shifted out.
The Stewards issued a charge against G Mosse, the rider of 5th placegetter, SLEDGE HAMMER, for a breach of Rule 100(2) in that he failed to ride his mount out all the way to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards.  The particulars of the charge were that he negligently failed to direct SLEDGE HAMMER to the outside of LOVELY NAUGHTY over the latter stages of the race into clear and uninterrupted running between that horse and CITY POWER, the consequence being that SLEDGE HAMMER was unable to be tested over the concluding stages due to being held up for clear running behind LOVELY NAUGHTY. G Mosse pleaded not guilty to the charge and asked for Mr C S Shum, the trainer of SLEDGE HAMMER, to be called as a witness. After considering all the evidence, G Mosse was found guilty of the charge and was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 5 February 2015 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays).  The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday, 25 January 2015. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the nature of the offence and Jockey Mosse’s poor record in respect of breaches of this Rule of Racing.
A veterinary inspection of MIGHTY GAINS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CITY POWER and LOVELY NAUGHTY were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (302) THE PRIDE OF HONG KONG HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

DRAGON ENERGY was crowded for room on jumping between GRASSLAND DRAGON and EXPEDITE which shifted in abruptly.
From wide barriers, HOLY MAC and CULTURAL CITY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, DRAGON ENERGY was awkwardly placed between GRASSLAND DRAGON and EXPEDITE.
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, DANEWIN TIGER got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied to obtain cover.
At the 900 Metres, CULTURAL CITY was galloped on by the riderless FAIR WIND. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CULTURAL CITY had sustained a wound over the left hind tendon region.
Approaching the 500 Metres, EXPEDITE got its head on the side and lay out and in doing so struck the heels of DANEWIN TIGER and blundered badly, resulting in its rider, K Teetan, becoming unbalanced.
At the entrance to the Straight, COSTA DEL SOL was bumped by HAPPY MOMENTS which shifted out into clear running.
For the majority of the race, PAKISTAN BABY travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground.
The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered whether FAIR WIND had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from Jockey D Whyte and Mr T McGovern, the Starter. After taking evidence from both parties and after viewing the official videos, it was established that as the start was effected, FAIR WIND, which had been standing well, became fractious and sat down behind, resulting in D Whyte being dislodged due to the fractious nature of the horse. FAIR WIND then exited the barrier stalls riderless. As the Stewards formed the opinion that FAIR WIND had caused its own difficulties, it was deemed to have been afforded a fair start and accordingly was confirmed as a runner. Before being allowed to race again, FAIR WIND will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial.
N Rawiller stated that as EN CIVIL had been able to lead without having too much use made of it and was able to set an average tempo in the early stages, he commenced to quicken the pace after the 800 Metres with a view to establishing a margin over the remainder of the field. He said he felt this was in the horse’s best interests given that it had not been required to run at a strong tempo throughout the first half of the race.
A veterinary inspection of EXPEDITE and PAKISTAN BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
HAPPY MOMENTS and DASHING SUPER were sent for sampling.
<12/2/2015 Additional Veterinary Report>EXPEDITE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. EXPEDITE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P O’Sullivan 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, EXPEDITE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:3 (303) THE GLOBAL EXCELLENCE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

HOW SPEEDY began only fairly.
BEAR RAPPER was crowded for room on jumping between HARMONY STAR and YO-YO DA which shifted out.
SURREAL, when being steadied to obtain a position with cover, got its head up on a number of occasions and in the early stages proved difficult to settle.
From a wide barrier, LUCKY PROFIT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 1000 Metres, GOOD VIEW DELIGHTS was steadied and shifted away from the heels of BOSSIEE which shifted out after being brushed by HARMONY STAR.
After the 500 Metres, ALL FRIENDS was bumped by SURREAL which shifted out abruptly after being awkwardly placed behind BEAR RAPPER. LUCKY PROFIT, which was following SURREAL, was directed out away from the heels of that horse in consequence.
Passing the 300 Metres, HOW SPEEDY was steadied when racing in restricted room between BOSSIEE and YO-YO DA which shifted to the outside of MODERN FORTUNE into clear running.
Near the 150 Metres, GOOD VIEW DELIGHTS was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of BEAR RAPPER.
K Teetan (SURREAL) was fined the sum of $2,000 for failing to present himself in the Parade Ring by the required time.
When questioned regarding the performance of BOSSIEE, N Callan stated that, in his opinion, the horse was disappointing. He said unlike last start when BOSSIEE raced without cover but yet was still successful, today it raced with cover behind NEXT JOURNEY until after the 600 Metres. He said BOSSIEE was inclined to lay out throughout the race when travelling behind NEXT JOURNEY. He said BOSSIEE initially gave him a good response when placed under pressure in the early part of the Straight, however, after the 300 Metres came under pressure and then finished off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of BOSSIEE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of MODERN FORTUNE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
BOSSIEE, YO-YO DA and BEAR RAPPER were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (304) THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB 130TH ANNIVERSARY CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 2 1200 m

APACHE SPIRIT began awkwardly and lost ground.
LITTLE MEN began only fairly and then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that LITTLE MEN was lame in its left hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, LITTLE MEN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Approaching the 1000 Metres, SKYROCKETS was awkwardly placed outside the heels of YOU READ MY MIND.
Approaching the 900 Metres, YOU READ MY MIND and KEY WITNESS bumped. After this, YOU READ MY MIND was left racing wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of YOU READ MY MIND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
Approaching the 700 Metres, SKYROCKETS proved difficult to settle and raced close to the heels of YOU READ MY MIND.
For some distance passing the 700 Metres, VICTORIUS commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed behind KEY WITNESS.
CHOICE TREASURE was unable to obtain clear running until near the 300 Metres.
In the Straight, and particularly when giving ground after the 300 Metres, SKYROCKETS got its head on the side and hung in.
When questioned, C Y Ho (I’M IN CHARGE) stated that he had been advised by Mr C Fownes, the horse’s trainer, that it was anticipated that the race would be run at a good tempo and as the horse had drawn wide in barrier 12, he had been asked to ride I’M IN CHARGE quietly and to shift the horse across behind runners in the early stages. He said it was felt that were I’M IN CHARGE to be ridden for speed as is usual, the horse, due to the make-up of the field, may be left racing wide and without cover and therefore would not be able to finish off the race. He said after initially proving somewhat difficult to steady in the early stages, I’M IN CHARGE commenced to travel more kindly until approaching the 900 Metres at which time the horse travelled keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions when being checked away from the heels of LET ME GO. He said after making the turn near the 850 Metres, I’M IN CHARGE then commenced to travel more generously and rounding the Home Turn he endeavoured to shift I’M IN CHARGE to the outside of runners to obtain clear running. He said however that at this time DYNAMISM was positioned to the outside of I’M IN CHARGE and was still travelling well enough to prevent him from shifting his mount out. He said therefore he was obliged to take inside runs and was able to improve his position until near the 250 Metres at which stage I’M IN CHARGE, when attempting tight running between YOU READ MY MIND and VICTORIUS, had to be steadied due to VICTORIUS shifting out. He added he then directed I’M IN CHARGE to the inside of VICTORIUS to improve into tight running between that horse and JAZZY FEELING. He said this resulted in I’M IN CHARGE being hampered and bumping JAZZY FEELING, causing both horses to become unbalanced. He said he was then able to obtain clear running between VICTORIUS and JAZZY FEELING approaching the 100 Metres and was able to ride his mount out to the end of the race.
A veterinary inspection of SKYROCKETS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
KEY WITNESS and PRECISION KING were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (305) THE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

After being loaded, SAMMY’S EMPIRE became fractious, reared and momentarily got its right front leg over into the adjoining stall. SAMMY’S EMPIRE 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, SAMMY’S EMPIRE will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial.
GOLD DRAGON was steadied shortly after the start when crowded for room between ATHENA BABY which shifted out and KING’S STEED which, after being brushed by UNIQUE HAPPIEST, then shifted in of its own accord.
From the outside barrier, JACK’S GEM became unbalanced shortly after the start when bumped by SAMMY’S EMPIRE which shifted out. After this, JACK’S GEM was taken back.
Also from wide barriers, BRILLIANT MONKEYS and MULTI-WIN GENERAL were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
After the 1000 Metres, STAG KNIGHT proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when being checked away from the heels of ATHENA BABY.
Near the 900 Metres, STAG KNIGHT shifted out and bumped MARK TWO.
DASHING FORTUNE travelled wide and without cover until passing the 600 Metres.
Approaching the 500 Metres, MARK TWO became unbalanced when racing in restricted room between JACK’S GEM and KING’S STEED which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KING OF REASON.
At the entrance to the Straight, KING OF REASON and GOLD DRAGON bumped.
After the race, it was noted that there was evidence of dried blood over JACK’S GEM’s right ear.
A veterinary inspection of STAG KNIGHT immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, STAG KNIGHT will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
SOUL ACHIEVER and UNIQUE HAPPIEST were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (306) THE BETTER FUTURE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1600 m

At declaration time, U Rispoli was declared as the rider of both FIGHTING BOY and HEAVENISARACEHORSE. It was established that U Rispoli had a firm commitment to ride FIGHTING BOY. As such, the Stewards permitted M Chadwick to be substituted as the rider of HEAVENISARACEHORSE. For this declaration error, Trainer A Schutz was fined $2,000.
GRACEFUL KINGDOM was crowded for room on jumping between SUGAR CITY and FORTUNE GIGGLES which shifted out.
Shortly after the start, SUGAR CITY raced in restricted room between GRACEFUL KINGDOM and BETTER ANNOUNCE which shifted in.
From wide barriers, LAUDABLE VIRTUE and MAC ROW were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
ELITE PRIDE lost its left front plate in the early stages.
After the 1000 Metres, WEALTHY FORTUNE was left racing wide and without cover.
After the 700 Metres, SUGAR CITY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ELITE PRIDE which was being steadied away from the heels of GRACEFUL KINGDOM.
Rounding the Home Turn, WINNAM raced tight between HIGH WARRIOR which was inclined to lay in and GRACEFUL KINGDOM which shifted out. Then in the early part of the Straight, WINNAM and HIGH WARRIOR continued to race tight.
At the entrance to the Straight, ELITE PRIDE was steadied when crowded for room between GRACEFUL KINGDOM and ROUGE ET BLANC which made the Home Turn awkwardly and then shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of PEACE ON EARTH.
SUGAR CITY had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and then again approaching the 200 Metres.
Throughout the race, HIGH WARRIOR travelled wide and without cover.
The performance of LAUDABLE VIRTUE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LAUDABLE VIRTUE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
M Guyon (ROUGE ET BLANC) was spoken to regarding him having raised his whip arm above the height of his shoulder. He was advised that as this was the second occasion that he had been spoken to regarding this matter, he was placed on notice that he may be penalized should he offend again in a similar manner in future.
When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he had been asked to ride HEAVENISARACEHORSE quietly from a wide barrier. He said apart from one occasion, HEAVENISARACEHORSE had generally been disappointing when ridden positively and for this reason he was asked to have the horse relaxed in the early stages and, if possible, make a quick move around the field rounding the Home Turn in the hope that it may be able to respond better when ridden in this manner. He said in accordance with his instructions he shifted the horse across behind runners in the early stages and then approaching the 500 Metres improved his position around the field. He added in the early part of the Straight HEAVENISARACEHORSE initially responded well to his riding, however, weakened somewhat under pressure over the final 200 Metres.
On pulling up, BETTER ANNOUNCE made an abnormal breathing noise which indicated a dorsal displacement of the soft palate. However, a veterinary inspection of BETTER ANNOUNCE immediately following the race did not reveal any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of PEACE ON EARTH and HIGH WARRIOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
WINNAM, FIGHTING BOY and MAC ROW were sent for sampling.
<12/1/2015 Additional Veterinary Report> HIGH WARRIOR, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. HIGH WARRIOR was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer J Size yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right hind and left front legs. Before being allowed to race again, HIGH WARRIOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:7 (307) THE COMMITMENT AND CARING HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 1 1200 m

BERLINSKI was withdrawn on 8.1.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, BERLINSKI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
LORD SINCLAIR shifted out at the start and bumped ACCESS YEARS.
GO BABY GO began only fairly.
BULLISH FRIEND began awkwardly and then travelled wide and without cover throughout the race.
EXCITING DREAM and HAPPY ERA were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
MASTER KOCHANWONG and ACCESS YEARS were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (308) THE SHARING AND SUPPORTING HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1000 m

LOVELY DELOVELY was withdrawn on 8.1.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter PENGLAI XIANZI. Before being allowed to race again, LOVELY DELOVELY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
HARD BALL GET was checked on jumping when crowded for room between STRONG FOUNDATION and SKY MAN which shifted in after being bumped by LUCKY DAY.
AMBITIOUS KING began awkwardly.
Shortly after the start, MI SAVVY BOY was steadied away from the heels of PENGLAI XIANZI which shifted in.
A short distance after the start, STRONG FOUNDATION raced tight between SKY MAN and ART OF SUCCESS, both of which shifted ground.
ASIA RISING and MI SAVVY BOY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 800 Metres, AMBITIOUS KING shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of HEARTILY WINS which became unbalanced.
Approaching the 200 Metres, HARD BALL GET was steadied when disappointed for running outside HEARTILY WINS.
Over the concluding stages, MI SAVVY BOY raced tight inside SKY MAN.
Also over the concluding stages, HEARTILY WINS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SKY MAN.
When questioned regarding the performance of COUNTRY MELODY, K Teetan stated that his mount felt “flat”. He said when he had asked COUNTRY MELODY for an effort in its past runs, the horse had responded immediately whereas today it did not quicken as it had in the past. He added that COUNTRY MELODY, which was having its first racing campaign, had run in a number of races of late which may have had an impact on its ability to quicken and the manner in which it finished off the race today. A veterinary inspection of COUNTRY MELODY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.
A veterinary inspection of SKY MAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
COUNTRY MELODY, JETWINGS and LUCKY DAY were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (309) THE COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1600 m

TOO FAST was withdrawn on 9.1.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (superficial abrasions and stiff action) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter PO CHING TREASURE (N Rawiller). Before being allowed to race again, TOO FAST will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
BULLISH SMART shifted out at the start and bumped SPEEDY WALLY.
Shortly after the start, PO CHING TREASURE was bumped by EASTERN DRAGON which was taken out by TRAVEL FIRST.
Approaching and passing the 1300 Metres, SPEEDY WALLY got its head up on a number of occasions when proving very difficult to settle.
After the 1000 Metres, MODERN TSAR was left racing wide and without cover.
PO CHING TREASURE lay out rounding the Home Turn.
GRAND ELITE was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight.
STEP HIGH was badly held up for clear running until approaching the 200 Metres. STEP HIGH was again held up for clear running passing the 150 Metres and after the 100 Metres was checked away from the heels of TRAVEL FIRST. Then close to the finishing line, STEP HIGH was again checked away from the heels of TRAVEL FIRST. Because of this, STEP HIGH was not able to be properly tested.
When questioned, D Whyte stated that, from the outside barrier, it had been intended for HAPPY SUMMER to be ridden in a forward position if possible. He said in accordance with his instructions he urged HAPPY SUMMER along in the early stages, however, the horse did not show the anticipated early speed and he was of the belief that he would have had to ride HAPPY SUMMER aggressively for the horse to cross runners to his inside and possibly lead. He said for this reason he followed PO CHING TREASURE across whilst continuing to allow the horse to stride forward. He said after the 1400 Metres it remained apparent to him that he would have had to make considerable use of HAPPY SUMMER to cross runners to his inside despite the moderate tempo of the race and therefore he attempted to obtain cover on HAPPY SUMMER. He added when he was not able to shift in behind runners, HAPPY SUMMER was left racing wide and without cover. He said he attempted to improve his position after the 600 Metres, however, FLYING UNICORN shifted out to his inside, resulting in HAPPY SUMMER being taken wider. He said in the Straight HAPPY SUMMER finished off the race one-paced and therefore he recommended to connections that they consider stepping the horse up in distance in its future starts which may allow it to take up a forward position without having to be aggressively ridden. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY SUMMER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of BULLISH SMART and MODERN TSAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
TRAVEL FIRST, RED DANCER and FLYING UNICORN were sent for sampling.

Race:10 (310) THE HEALTH AND HAPPINESS HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

STAR TRACK was withdrawn on 9.1.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter HE WAS ME. Before being allowed to race again, STAR TRACK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
BEST TANGO proved difficult to load. Before being allowed to race again, BEST TANGO will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test.
CONFUCIUS SPIRIT shifted out at the start and was checked away from the heels of ELECTRONIC FORTUNE.
Shortly after the start, HE WAS ME raced tight between GERONIMO MEADOW and GOODHEART SUCCESS which shifted in.
Near the 1200 Metres, BERLINI, which was proving difficult to settle, was checked when crowded for room between UNIVERSAL UNION which shifted out and BEST TANGO which improved up inside the heels of SUPREME FLIGHT (M Guyon) and was then taken in by that horse which was also proving difficult to settle. M Guyon was severely reprimanded and advised that whilst there were some circumstances to his incident, nonetheless he must ensure that he is sufficiently clear of other runners before shifting ground.
Passing the 1200 Metres, GERONIMO MEADOW was crowded for room inside HE WAS ME which, when racing ungenerously, got its head on the side and shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. Then passing the 1100 Metres, HE WAS ME commenced to prove very difficult to settle and after the 1000 Metres was checked after improving of its own accord to be racing inside the heels of GOODHEART SUCCESS where there was insufficient room, resulting in UNIVERSAL UNION also being severely checked and blundering.
Passing the 1000 Metres, SUPREME FLIGHT proved difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ELECTRONIC FORTUNE. Then making the turn after the 900 Metres, SUPREME FLIGHT raced in restricted room between HAPPY AND HEALTHY and FLYING ELITE which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the tightening to SUPREME FLIGHT.
Passing the 200 Metres, HAPPY AND HEALTHY was steadied when disappointed for running between SUPREME FLIGHT and FLYING ELITE, both of which shifted ground when weakening.
BEST TANGO was unable to obtain clear running until near the 150 Metres. Then over the concluding stages, BEST TANGO raced in restricted room between ELECTRONIC FORTUNE and GERONIMO MEADOW.
For the majority of the race, SUPREME FLIGHT travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned, M Guyon stated that he had been asked to ride SUPREME FLIGHT from off the speed. He said it was explained to him that SUPREME FLIGHT, when leading in its recent races, had not finished off as anticipated and it was hoped that the horse may be able to finish off the race better today with cover. Mr A T Millard, the trainer of SUPREME FLIGHT, will be interviewed regarding the riding instructions given to Jockey Guyon prior to the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 14 January 2015.
When questioned, J Moreira stated that it had been intended for UNIVERSAL UNION to be ridden in a position in advance of midfield if possible. He said however that as the start was effected UNIVERSAL UNION began only fairly which resulted in it being further back in the field than had been intended. He said he rode his mount along in an endeavour to make up lost ground, however, UNIVERSAL UNION, due to the tempo of the race, was caught behind runners which were proving difficult to settle, resulting in the horse having to be severely checked near the 900 Metres. He added after this incident UNIVERSAL UNION had difficulty regaining balance rounding the turns. He said he shifted UNIVERSAL UNION to the outside of runners in the Straight and the horse then closed off the race strongly despite the tempo of the race and the incident near the 900 Metres.
When questioned, D Whyte stated that he had been asked to ride BERLINI similarly to its last start when successful. He said in today’s race BERLINI proved very difficult to settle in the early stages, however, the horse raced similarly in the past in the early stages. He said in the past BERLINI had commenced to travel more tractably as its races progressed, however, today after being checked near the 1200 Metres BERLINI would not settle and consequently was unable to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of BERLINI immediately following the race did not show any significant finding, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.
CONTENTMENT and UNIVERSAL UNION were sent for sampling.