03/04/2022  Shatin  Race 6

REACH GOAL began only fairly and then was crowded for room between SPICY SKEWER and AURORA HERO, both of which shifted ground. SUPER HORNET shifted out at the start and bumped HANDSOME VEGGIE. From the outside barriers, HAPPY DAY, SPARKY STAR and FANTASTIC SHOW were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. Passing the 1200 Metres, HAPPY PROFIT, which was proving difficult to settle, shifted out away from HANDSOME VEGGIE which shifted out after being bumped by KASI FARASI which in turn was bumped by AURORA HERO which shifted out when travelling keenly initially behind SUPER HORNET and then PLEASANT ENDEAVOR. After this, HAPPY PROFIT was steadied to obtain cover behind KASI FARASI. REACH GOAL made the turn after the 900 Metres awkwardly and shifted out towards the heels of AURORA HERO which itself was racing tight between HANDSOME VEGGIE and SPICY SKEWER which also made the turn awkwardly. After this, REACH GOAL travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPICY SKEWER for some distance passing the 700 Metres. AURORA HERO was held up for clear running from on straightening until after the 300 Metres at which time AURORA HERO improved into very tight running between PLEASANT ENDEAVOR and SPICY SKEWER. Then passing the 200 Metres, SPICY SKEWER became unbalanced when crowded inside AURORA HERO which, after racing very tight inside PLEASANT ENDEAVOR, then got its head on the side and shifted in away from that horse. REACH GOAL was also held up for clear running from on straightening until after the 300 Metres. SPARKY STAR was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and approaching the 200 Metres bumped HANDSOME VEGGIE when improving into tight running between that horse and PLEASANT ENDEAVOR. Throughout the race, HANDSOME VEGGIE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, V Borges stated that HAPPY PROFIT came under heavy pressure passing the 500 Metres to hold its position. He said when HAPPY PROFIT came under pressure, his mount lay out and he attempted to straighten HAPPY PROFIT to maintain its position to the outside of KASI FARASI. He said despite his efforts HAPPY PROFIT continued to lay out which resulted in HAPPY DAY being able to improve into running between KASI FARASI and HAPPY PROFIT after the 400 Metres. He added that after this HAPPY PROFIT, despite being ridden out, gave ground noticeably and finished at the rear of the field. V Borges was told that whilst the Stewards acknowledged that HAPPY PROFIT gave ground noticeably after the 400 Metres, nonetheless he must ensure that he rides his mounts as competitively as possible in the circumstances. A veterinary inspection of HANDSOME VEGGIE 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, HANDSOME VEGGIE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SPARKY STAR, HAPPY DAY and SUPER HORNET were sent for sampling.