03/04/2022  Shatin  Race 5

HUNKY DORY was withdrawn on 2.4.22 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (substantial amount of mucus in trachea after track work) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter ISLAND SHINE (A Hamelin). Before being allowed to race again, HUNKY DORY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TUNG HAYE HAYE was slow to begin. When being steadied from a wide barrier in the early stages, BRAVE DREAMS shifted in and bumped BALLISTIC MAN which became unbalanced shortly after the start. From wide barriers, ISLAND SHINE and SUGAR SUGAR were also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Making the first turn near the 900 Metres, BALLISTIC MAN got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of IRON KING. Passing the 900 Metres, SPONTANEOUS commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up when awkwardly placed behind HAPPY FOREVER. When HAPPY FOREVER shifted out, SPONTANEOUS continued to race ungenerously and got its head up continuously and passing the 800 Metres was checked away from the heels of SAKEWIN (J Moreira) which was steadied by its rider. RHAPSODY, which was following SPONTANEOUS, shifted out abruptly away from the heels of that horse, resulting in BALLISTIC MAN being bumped and having to be checked away from the heels of SIX BEST FRIENDS. GALLANT WAKING, which was following RHAPSODY, was steadied away from the heels of that horse in consequence. J Moreira was advised that whilst the Stewards were of the opinion that the racing manners of SPONTANEOUS had played a significant role in this incident and that SAKEWIN was having its first race start today, nonetheless he had steadied the tempo after crossing to the lead which had contributed to SPONTANEOUS reacting in the manner in which it did. J Moreira was told to ensure that he does not steady the tempo in races to the extent that riders and horses, which are following, are not able to adapt to the change in tempo. After the 900 Metres, SIX BEST FRIENDS was taken wider by HAPPY FOREVER which shifted out from behind SAKEWIN. After this, SIX BEST FRIENDS travelled wide and without cover. At the entrance to the Straight, SIX BEST FRIENDS raced tight outside RHAPSODY which shifted to the outside of HAPPY FOREVER to obtain clear running. A veterinary inspection of SHENZHOU TWELVE and IRON KING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SAKEWIN and RHAPSODY were sent for sampling.