13/11/2021  Shatin  Race 3

CHAMPION PAL began only fairly and then was crowded for room between FLYING MIGHTY and SUN OF MAKFI, both of which shifted ground. From the outside barrier, COPARTNER ERA was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After initially being ridden along in the early stages, EZRA (K Teetan) was left racing wide and without cover passing the winning post on the first occasion and was then steadied to obtain cover. After the race, K Teetan reported that whilst the circumstances of the race particularly in the early and middle stages did not suit EZRA, nonetheless he felt that the horse was somewhat disappointing in today’s race given that it did not travel as comfortably as it had for him in recent starts. He said he placed EZRA under heavy pressure prior to the Home Turn, however, the horse did not respond to his riding and then did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of EZRA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RED ELYSEES was also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. CAPTAIN TIGER was ridden along for a considerable distance after the 1700 Metres in an attempt to clear runners to its inside and obtain cover. CAPTAIN TIGER then continued to be ridden forward after the 1600 Metres, however, travelled wide and without cover for the majority of the race. The performance of CAPTAIN TIGER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CAPTAIN TIGER 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 CAPTAIN TIGER immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Near the 1500 Metres, RED ELYSEES was momentarily crowded for room inside EZRA which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the tightening to RED ELYSEES. Rounding the Home Turn, EZRA was bumped and taken wider by COPARTNER ERA which shifted to the outside of FLYING MIGHTY to obtain clear running. At the entrance to the Straight, CHAMPION PAL shifted out and bumped RED ELYSEES. After this, CHAMPION PAL lay in under pressure in the early part of the Straight. When questioned, J Moreira stated that he was asked to try and lead on FLASH FAMOUS if possible. He said when FLASH FAMOUS was not able to show sufficient speed despite being ridden along in the early stages, he steadied the horse passing the winning post on the first occasion to obtain cover. He said passing the 1300 Metres it appeared as though the pace of the race was commencing to slacken and as he anticipated that it may continue to do so, he elected to shift out from behind CAPTAIN TIGER and improve his position rather than be caught behind that horse if the pace of the race continued to slacken. The performance of FLASH FAMOUS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FLASH FAMOUS 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 FLASH FAMOUS immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse's trachea. JOYFUL HEART, VICTORIOUS SEEKER and AWE were sent for sampling.