11/03/2023  Shatin  Race 3

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that SCOTCH TYCOON had sustained a minor laceration to the right hind leg. SCOTCH TYCOON was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. TEAM SPIRIT jumped awkwardly, shifted in, made contact with SHOW RESPECT and became unbalanced, resulting in TEAM SPIRIT then shifting out and bumping the hindquarters of JADE PHOENIX which also became unbalanced. LEAN MASTER was slow to begin and was then crowded by JUNEAU FLASH which jumped awkwardly and shifted in. Soon after the start, JUNEAU FLASH continued to shift in and bumped RUN RUN COOL. Near the 200 Metres, NICCONI COUNTY improved into a narrow run to the outside of CALIFORNIA VANES and raced in restricted room to the outside of that runner for some distance thereafter. When questioned, A Hamelin (TALENTS SUPREMO) stated that after initially being held up behind JUNEAU FLASH near the 400 Metres, he shifted to that runner’s inside to follow LIKE THAT. He said he was then held up behind LIKE THAT between the 300 Metres and the 200 Metres and passing the 200 Metres he shifted to the inside of LIKE THAT in an attempt to secure a narrow run between LIKE THAT and RUN RUN COOL. He added that when endeavouring to improve into this run, LIKE THAT shifted in slightly, resulting in the run becoming tighter and eventually he was required to check his mount approaching the 100 Metres when disappointed for this run. The Stewards advised Jockey Hamelin in similar circumstances he must ensure that there is sufficient racing room for him to improve. After the race, K Teetan stated that whilst JUNEAU FLASH travelled comfortably in the early stages, when asked for an effort over the final 300 Metres, JUNEAU FLASH failed to respond to his riding and raced disappointingly. A veterinary inspection of JUNEAU FLASH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of JUNEAU FLASH, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, JUNEAU FLASH 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, Apprentice Y L Chung reported that after being hampered at the start TEAM SPIRIT did not show its usual early pace and raced in a disappointing manner. A veterinary inspection of TEAM SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JUNEAU FLASH, RUN RUN COOL and NICCONI COUNTY were sent for sampling.