Recap by phillip woo

In a race run to suit the closers, late-fancied Majestic Endeavour came on well after a deep run beyond midfield from a wide gate to just overhaul Alcazar 30m out for a maiden win at his 16th start. Alcazar just lost out in a ding-dong battle after surging to the lead at the 280m following a deep run in midfield with cover. Never Better came on late down the outside to finish a close third after a patient ride three form the back. Ambitious Speedy peaked on his run just inside the last 100m after looming a winning chance at the 250m following a handy run with cover. He can bob up now and then. The Show plugged on all right after being short of room until the 250m chasing the leaders near the inside. Natural Flare finished one-paced over the last 150m after being stuck behind a wall of horses until the 200m following a midfield run on the fence. Favourite Royal Prerogative gave up 200m out after chasing the strong early pace of Shining Bright.

Racing Incident Report

Race Four: (294) - SUN CHUI HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1400Meters

SINCERE HORSE began awkwardly and then was crowded for room between AMBITIOUS SPEEDY and JOLLY AMBER which shifted out.

This resulted in SINCERE HORSE losing ground.

From a wide barrier, NEVER BETTER was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

When being steadied in an attempt to obtain cover, ALCAZAR commenced to travel keenly and got its head up passing the 1300 Metres.

Approaching and passing the 400 Metres, AMBITIOUS SPEEDY and ALCAZAR raced tight as AMBITIOUS SPEEDY attempted to improve between ALCAZAR and TRIUMPHANT LIGHT.

THE SHOW had difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 400 Metres and then after obtaining a run near the 300 Metres raced tight between SHINING BRIGHT and ROYAL PREROGATIVE which shifted in marginally when commencing to give ground.

After the 200 Metres, SINCERE HORSE was directed to the outside of JOYFUL FOREVER to obtain clear running.

Near the 50 Metres, ROCKAGE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of NATURAL FLARE.

Throughout the race, TRIUMPHANT LIGHT travelled wide and without cover.

After the race, C Y Ho (SHINING BRIGHT) reported that his saddle shifted back rounding the Home Turn, causing him some inconvenience.

When questioned regarding the performance of ROYAL PREROGATIVE, Z Purton stated that, in his opinion, the circumstances of the race did not suit the horse.

He said when racing between SHINING BRIGHT and TRIUMPHANT LIGHT, ROYAL PREROGATIVE would not relax and because of this was then not able to respond to his riding when placed under pressure in the Straight.

He said although ROYAL PREROGATIVE was awkwardly placed between runners approaching the 200 Metres, the horse was well beaten at this time and did not have a bearing on its finishing position.

The performance of ROYAL PREROGATIVE, favourite for this race and which finished last, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, ROYAL PREROGATIVE 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 ROYAL PREROGATIVE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea and also found it to be lame in its left front leg.

ROYAL PREROGATIVE, MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR and ALCAZAR were sent for sampling.