02/02/2019  Shatin  Race 3

After being placed in the barriers, BLAZING PARTNERS proved fractious and got its head over into the adjoining stall on a number of occasions before being corrected. Then as the start was effected, BLAZING PARTNERS again became fractious and turned its head to the left, resulting in the horse losing ground. Having regard to BLAZING PARTNER’s previous barrier history, the Stewards ruled that that horse must barrier trial satisfactorily before being allowed to race again. MERIDIAN GENIUS began awkwardly. BRILLIANT began only fairly. SIMPLE ELEGANT was slow to begin. Near the 750 Metres, MERIDIAN GENIUS was steadied away from the heels of VIGOROUS SPIRIT (A Sanna) which shifted in when not quite clear. A Sanna was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. IRON KING, which was following MERIDIAN GENIUS, commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of MERIDIAN GENIUS. Passing the 700 Metres, when being shifted to the inside of MERIDIAN GENIUS, IRON KING lost ground after being crowded for room between MERIDIAN GENIUS which shifted in and SIMPLE ELEGANT which shifted out abruptly and bumped IRON KING before being directed back in to relieve the crowding to IRON KING. As the Stewards were satisfied that there was no rider carelessness attached to this incident, no further action was taken. Approaching the 500 Metres, VIGOROUS SPIRIT, which was commencing to give ground, was momentarily awkwardly placed outside the heels of LUCKY THOUGHT (K Teetan) which shifted out. K Teetan was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Passing the 500 Metres, LIGHTNING STEED was awkwardly placed behind LOOK ERAS. Passing the 300 Metres, SUNSHINE UNIVERSE raced tight outside MULTIMAX which shifted out abruptly away from LOOK ERAS. BELLA BABY had some difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 300 Metres. After the race, T H So was dislodged from SUNSHINE UNIVERSE without incident. Also after the race, C Murray expressed concern regarding the action of WHISKY KNIGHT. A veterinary inspection of WHISKY KNIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. Before being allowed to race again, WHISKY KNIGHT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. K Teetan stated that after being ridden along to obtain a forward position, LUCKY THOUGHT travelled satisfactorily throughout the middle stages, however, came under pressure after the 300 Metres and then finished off the race only fairly. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY THOUGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, J Moreira stated that SHINING ACE, which was having its first start in a race today, was somewhat disappointing as the horse tired late in the race and did not close off as strongly as anticipated. A veterinary inspection of SHINING ACE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on LIGHTNING STEED at the request of Trainer C Fownes. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, LIGHTNING STEED will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SHINING ACE, SUNSHINE UNIVERSE and MULTIMAX were sent for sampling. <4/2/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>LUCKY THOUGHT, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. LUCKY THOUGHT was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C S Shum in the morning after racing. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY THOUGHT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WHISKY KNIGHT, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. WHISKY KNIGHT was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer J Moore in the morning after racing. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. As previously advised, WHISKY KNIGHT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.