24/09/2023  Shatin  Race 3

STRAIGHT ARRON jumped awkwardly. Near the 500 Metres, THE GOLDEN SCENERY raced tight between CIRCUIT STELLAR and ENCOUNTERED which shifted to the outside of CIRCUIT STELLAR to improve. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ENCOUNTERED, K C Leung stated that his mount settled back in the field as expected. He said due to the slow early pace of the event, he commenced a forward move from the 700 Metres, however, when THE GOLDEN SCENERY shifted out in advance of him, ENCOUNTERED was then taken wider from that point. He added that in the Home Straight he placed his mount under full pressure, however, it failed to respond to his riding. He said, in his opinion, ENCOUNTERED would now be better suited by being stepped up in distance for its next race start and also may not have appreciated today’s "Good” track conditions. Trainer K L Man confirmed that ENCOUNTERED had pleased the stable coming into today’s race and agreed with Jockey Leung’s assessment that ENCOUNTERED would be better suited by being stepped up in distance in its next race start which he now intends to do. A veterinary inspection of ENCOUNTERED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of ENCOUNTERED, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ENCOUNTERED 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 STRAIGHT ARRON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HEALTHY HAPPY and CIRCUIT STELLAR were sent for sampling.