07/05/2023  Shatin  Race 9

BUTTERFIELD shifted out at the start and bumped FIVE G PATCH. Shortly after the start, PANFIELD shifted out and away from SWORD POINT, resulting in PANFIELD taking RUNNING GLORY out onto NATURAL STORM. From a wide barrier, TOURBILLON DIAMOND was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After travelling a short distance, NATURAL STORM was hampered when crowded between RUNNING GLORY and TOURBILLON DIAMOND, both of which shifted ground. Near the 2000 Metres, NATURAL STORM, which was inclined to race keenly, was steadied away from STRAIGHT ARRON. SENOR TOBA was obliged to race wide and without cover for the majority of the event and near the 450 Metres was steadied when crowded between FIVE G PATCH and BUTTERFIELD (L Hewitson) which shifted out to improve. L Hewitson was advised to exercise more care. After the 450 Metres, COLUMBUS COUNTY endeavoured to improve into tight running to the inside of BEAUTYVERSE as that runner commenced to give ground, resulting in COLUMBUS COUNTY having to be steadied approaching the 400 Metres when BEAUTYVERSE shifted in slightly. Approaching the 250 Metres, FIVE G PATCH raced in restricted room between NATURAL STORM and SWORD POINT which shifted out. Near the 25 Metres, STRAIGHT ARRON and SWORD POINT bumped principally due to STRAIGHT ARRON shifting out. Over the concluding stages, FIVE G PATCH raced in restricted room between SWORD POINT and NATURAL STORM and as a result could not be fully ridden out to the finish of the event. After the race, Z Purton (RUNNING GLORY) explained that his mount failed to travel at any stage of the event and when in an uncompetitive position he eased his mount down in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of RUNNING GLORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of RUNNING GLORY which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, RUNNING GLORY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after the race, M F Poon (BEAUTYVERSE) confirmed that from his outside barrier he was instructed to go forward on his mount. He added that after jumping well BEAUTYVERSE was able to obtain the lead without being pressured in the early stages. A veterinary inspection of SENOR TOBA immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. A veterinary inspection of PANFIELD immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. STRAIGHT ARRON and SWORD POINT were sent for sampling.