29/01/2023  Shatin  Race 2

ALL JOYFUL, which was noted to have a small abrasion to the right hind leg, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. Just prior to the start being effected, ALL JOYFUL put its head down, resulting in the horse beginning only fairly. ALL JOYFUL was then crowded for room on jumping between SPANGLE FORTUNE and PRAGMATISM which was taken out by ALL IS READY which shifted out abruptly. STARSHIP EIGHTY began only fairly and then lost ground when crowded for room between STARFIRE GEMS and SKYEY SUPREME which shifted out. NICE BIRDIE began awkwardly and then was inconvenienced by THE MULTIPLIER which shifted out. From the outside barrier, GREEN LASER was steadied on jumping and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Approaching the 1200 Metres, AMAZING TEENS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ALL IS READY and was then shifted out away from the heels of that horse after the 1200 Metres. Near the 550 Metres, STARFIRE GEMS shifted out and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of SPANGLE FORTUNE which travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. SUN OF MAKFI was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn. KILLER INSTINCT lay in under pressure in the Straight. When questioned, A Hamelin stated that making the turn after passing the winning post on the first occasion PRAGMATISM immediately commenced to lay out and then hung out towards the heels of AMAZING TEENS approaching the 1400 Metres. He said after this PRAGMATISM continued to hang out badly despite his efforts and approaching the 1200 Metres lost ground after running out across the heels of AMAZING TEENS. He said he then shifted PRAGMATISM across behind KILLER INSTINCT to obtain a position closer to the rail in an attempt to have the horse travel more kindly. He said as soon as he did this PRAGMATISM immediately came under pressure and would not hold its position. He added that in the Straight PRAGMATISM gave ground noticeably and finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of PRAGMATISM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The racing manners and performance of PRAGMATISM were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PRAGMATISM will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a series of consecutive barrier trials around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, PEAK TO PEAK was reported to have sustained a mild abrasion to the right hind leg. A veterinary inspection of NICE BIRDIE and GREEN LASER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NICE BIRDIE, SKYEY SUPREME and KILLER INSTINCT were sent for sampling.