25/06/2023  Shatin  Race 8

After being loaded into the barriers, MIRACULOUS HONOUR became fractious, reared and got its left front leg over the barrier partition. Acting on veterinary advice that MIRACULOUS HONOUR was not suitable to race, the horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Having regard to its poor starting gate record, MIRACULOUS HONOUR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards and the Starter in a series of consecutive barrier trials on at least three occasions and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. On jumping NICETOBEMET was bumped by CRYSTAL POWERFUL which shifted out. HELLS BELLS jumped awkwardly and then was crowded for room between MULTIDARLING and LUCKY GOR which shifted in and away from ENDEARED. VANQUISHER was slow to begin and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. NICETOBEMET over-raced in the early and middle stages. Making the turn approaching the 800 Metres, MULTIDARLING was inconvenienced when momentarily crowded by HONG KONG HALL which was taken in by GREENWICH (Z Purton). A short distance later, CRYSTAL POWERFUL was steadied to avoid the heels of GREENWICH when that runner steadied the pace whilst crossing to the lead. Z Purton was advised to exercise more care. LUCKY GOR raced keenly in the middle stages. For a short distance after the 400 Metres, CRAIG’S MASTER was held up for clear running behind EVER BLESSING. NICETOBEMET was held up making the Home Turn and near the 350 Metres was shifted to the outside of HERO ICON to endeavour to obtain clear running but was disappointed. NICETOBEMET was then shifted to the inside of HERO ICON passing the 300 Metres where it secured clear running. Near the 350 Metres, VANQUISHER was steadied to avoid NICETOBEMET which shifted out. EVER BLESSING raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. After the race, C Y Ho (LUCKY GOR) reported that his mount was disadvantaged by being obliged to race three wide carrying top weight in tonight’s event. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY GOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HELLS BELLS immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer”. GREENWICH and HONG KONG HALL were sent for sampling.