16/07/2023  Shatin  Race 8

TRUE LEGEND jumped awkwardly, shifted out and brushed TOURBILLON DIAMOND. BEAUTY LIVE was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, THE IRISHMAN was crowded by RED LION which shifted in after being bumped by TUCHEL. From the outside barrier, COLUMBUS COUNTY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. RED LION over-raced in the early stages and when being crossed by TUCHEL near the 1200 Metres commenced to over-race and got its head up. HAVA NAGEELA raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. The performance of TRUE LEGEND, which finished tailed out on the second consecutive occasion in its recent starts, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TRUE LEGEND will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a series of consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in when they observed an incident which resulted in both FLAMING RABBIT, placed 3rd, and TUCHEL, placed 4th, making contact inside the 100 Metres. Subsequently Z Purton, rider of 4th placegetter, TUCHEL, lodged a protest/objection against FLAMING RABBIT being declared 3rd placegetter alleging interference over the final 100 Metres. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the videos, the Stewards found that near the 75 Metres FLAMING RABBIT shifted out and made contact with TUCHEL, resulting in TUCHEL being taken off its racing line and racing tight to the inside of CIRCUIT STELLAR over the concluding stages. As the Stewards were satisfied that had the interference not occurred TUCHEL would have finished in front of FLAMING RABBIT, the protest/objection was sustained and the placings amended to read No. 5, ENCOUNTERED, 1st; No. 4, CIRCUIT STELLAR, 2nd; No. 2, TUCHEL, 3rd; and No. 8, FLAMING RABBIT, 4th. A veterinary inspection of HAVA NAGEELA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FLAMING RABBIT, ENCOUNTERED and CIRCUIT STELLAR were sent for sampling.