01/01/2024  Shatin  Race 1

EIGHTY LIGHT YEARS (H170): Sent for sampling post-race. CALIFORNIA ICON (H404): Jumped only fairly and then was crowded shortly after the start. Leaving the 700 Metres was steadied away from GANGNAM STAR. GOLDEN LUCK (H159): Near the 800 Metres was steadied away from HIGH RISE POWER. Near the 400 Metres became awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPICY GOLD when that runner commenced to give ground. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of H Bowman, 6th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ensure that he fully rides his mounts out to the finish of the race. HANDSOME BOMB (H402): Bumped on jumping. Crowded near the 800 Metres. Approaching the 150 Metres was held up for clear running when improving into a narrow run to the inside of PANDA and after securing clear running raced tight to the inside of PANDA for a short distance thereafter. HIGH RISE POWER (H353): After the race, C L Chau reported that his mount was reluctant to race amongst other horses and gave ground in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HIGH RISE POWER was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HIGH RISE POWER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. PANDA (H466): Jumped only fairly. SPICY GOLD (H440): When questioned regarding SPICY GOLD racing in a forward position, L Hewitson stated that from the outside barrier he was instructed to endeavour to hold a midfield position with cover. He said after SPICY GOLD commenced well, he elected to ride his mount forward to take advantage of the good start and in an attempt to take up a position outside the lead, but when JOYFUL LIFE improved to his inside, he was unable to cross that runner and consequently was obliged to race wide and without cover for the majority of the event. He added that as a result of the wide run, SPICY GOLD did not respond to his riding in the Home Straight. He further stated that in retrospect his mount would have been better ridden in a more conservative manner in the early stages given the wide run that it endured. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PATCH OF TIME (H483): Jumped awkwardly and lost ground. GANGNAM STAR (H326): No report. JOYFUL LIFE (H426): After the race, K C Leung reported that his mount made a respiratory noise during the running of the event and gave ground in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, JOYFUL LIFE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HINOKAMI KAGURA (H384): No report. THE GOOD DEAL (G025): Near the 800 Metres GOLDEN LUCK commenced to race keenly and improved to the inside of HIGH RISE POWER when that runner shifted out making the turn. As a result, GOLDEN LUCK was then taken in by HIGH RISE POWER when that runner resumed its position, resulting in HANDSOME BOMB being taken in and crowding the running of THE GOOD DEAL which was steadied. After the race, L Ferraris reported that his mount made a respiratory noise during the running of the event. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, THE GOOD DEAL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CHAMPION INSTINCT (H012): Bumped on jumping. Sent for sampling post-race.