31/05/2023  Happy Valley  Race 4

SHINKANSEN and JUNEAU FLASH jumped only fairly. From the outside barrier, SURE JOYFUL was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. HERCULES was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages and near the 600 Metres commenced to race keenly and was steadied away from JUNEAU FLASH. From the 700 Metres, MASTER OF ALL raced wide and without cover. Over the concluding stages, SURE JOYFUL could not be ridden out when disappointed for clear running between SERGEANT PEPPER and LIKE THAT which raced tight to the inside of SUMMIT CHEERS (H Bowman) when SUMMIT CHEERS lay in. As a result, H Bowman was not able to fully test his mount to the finish of the event. After the race, M F Poon (MASTER OF ALL) stated that when he felt there was something amiss with his mount in the Home Straight, he eased it down. A veterinary inspection of MASTER OF ALL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MASTER OF ALL, which finished tailed out on the second occasion in recent starts, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MASTER OF ALL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a series of consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after the race, C Y Ho (FLAMING EAGLE) stated that his mount raced in a disappointing manner, but he could offer no explanation for the performance. A veterinary inspection of FLAMING EAGLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HERCULES immediately following the race found that horse to have an epiglottic entrapment. GOODLUCK GOODLUCK and CHARMING STEED were sent for sampling.