11/11/2023  Shatin  Race 6

NOBLE PURSUIT (H324): Slow to begin. When questioned, H Bowman stated that NOBLE PURSUIT was fractious in the barriers, then jumped awkwardly and lost ground. He said when the early pace from the starting gates, in his opinion, was genuine, he elected to shift NOBLE PURSUIT towards the rail at the rear of the field. He said after the 900 Metres the pace appeared to ease slightly and he then was positioned behind CHATEAU but was unable to proceed forward making the Home Turn when he remained racing behind that runner. He added that on the Home Turn after the pace of the race had quickened, NOBLE PURSUIT then was held up for clear running until near the 300 Metres behind GOLDEN CHAMPION. He further stated from that point his mount found it difficult to make up ground albeit he was not overly disappointed with its performance. Trainer C Fownes stated that NOBLE PURSUIT, carrying top weight of 135 lbs, was disadvantaged by settling back in the field and having an interrupted run in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, NOBLE PURSUIT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Sent for sampling post-race. WAR OF COURAGE (C483): Sent for sampling post-race. SMILING COLLECTOR (G128): Approaching the 1100 Metres was steadied to allow HOLY LAKE to cross and as a result commenced to race keenly, shifted out and was steadied away from HOLY LAKE. CHATEAU (H214): Jumped awkwardly. GOLDEN CHAMPION (H348): Bumped at the start. In the Home Straight lay in when being ridden out. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VOLCANIC SPARK (H388): Raced wide and without cover from the 900 Metres. GO HERO (H315): Sent for sampling post-race. HOLY LAKE (H260): Bumped on jumping. Sent for sampling post-race. DRAGON DELIGHT (G395): Sent for sampling post-race. TACTICAL COMMAND (H197): In the early and middle stages over-raced and passing the 1100 Metres got its head up when being steadied away from GLUCK RACER. From the 600 Metres was taken wider. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CHARMANDER (G437): Sent for sampling post-race. GLUCK RACER (E157): For some distance approaching the 800 Metres raced keenly and was steadied away from VOLCANIC SPARK. GO GO GO (H196): From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. BOOM ALLIANCE (G220): From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1000 Metres commenced to race keenly and got its head up when being steadied away from CHARMANDER. In the middle stages continued to race keenly and passing the 600 Metres was taken to the outside of GLUCK RACER.