26/01/2025  Shatin  Race 2

THE KHAN (H489): Jumped awkwardly. CIRCUIT VICTORY (H487): Between the 450 Metres and the 350 Metres raced tight between CALIFORNIA ICON and GLUCK RACER which shifted out to improve. EVER SMART (J179): When questioned, Z Purton stated that from his outside barrier the intention was to hold an on-pace position but not necessarily lead. He said his mount commenced well and was able to lead in the early stages when it showed sufficient pace to do so. He added under pressure in the Home Straight EVER SMART did not respond to his riding and gave ground. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of EVER SMART was considered disappointing as compared to its previous race starts. Before being allowed to race again, EVER SMART will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FLYING PHANTOM (J086): Between the 450 Metres and the 350 Metres was held up for clear running. Leaving the 350 Metres made contact with HARRY’S HERO when improving into a tight run between GANGNAM STAR and HARRY’S HERO. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of H Bowman, 8th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ensure that he fully rides his mounts out to the finish of the race. SILVER DESTINY (J096): Shortly after the start was steadied when crowded between THE KHAN and REGENCY HAPPY STAR which shifted in slightly. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WINDICATOR FAMILY (H419): No report. GANGNAM STAR (H326): After the event, A Hamelin advised that he was instructed to take up a more forward position on his mount. He said when unable to cross runners to his inside GANGNAM STAR raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. Trainer P C Ng confirmed the instructions and stated that he issued such instructions as GANGNAM STAR had been disappointing when settling at the back of the field. GLUCK RACER (E157): Between the 450 Metres and the 350 Metres had difficulty obtaining clear running. H Bentley was warned in relation to using his whip in a manner where his whip arm was raised above shoulder height on two occasions over the concluding stages. Sent for sampling post-race. WOODFIRE CHAMP (H292): No report. HARRY'S HERO (H332): After the 350 Metres was bumped on the hindquarters and became unbalanced. After the event, A Pouchin stated that his mount did not travel as strongly as it did at its previous start and after changing lead legs in the Home Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HARRY’S HERO, a last start winner, was considered disappointing as compared to its previous race start. Before being allowed to race again, HARRY’S HERO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SPEEDY CHARIOT (H193): Slow to begin. MULTIDARLING (H148): When questioned regarding his riding in the early part of the Home Straight, L Hewitson stated that his instructions were to settle his mount where comfortable, particularly as MULTIDARLING was reported a "roarer”. He said making the Home Turn his first intention was to follow FLYING PHANTOM into the event but when that runner took a narrow run to the inside of HARRY’S HERO he elected to improve to the inside of FLYING PHANTOM to obtain clear running. He said after balancing up near the 400 Metres he observed a run commencing to develop between WOODFIRE CHAMP and CALIFORNIA ICON but as he was of the opinion the run had not fully developed he encouraged his mount forward whilst not committing to the run until it had fully developed. He added after the 200 Metres when he was satisfied the run had fully developed he placed MULTIDARLING under full pressure where it commenced to finish the race off reasonably well. The Stewards advised Jockey Hewitson that, in their opinion, in the early part of the Home Straight there was an opportunity to encourage his mount to improve to be racing closer behind WOODFIRE CHAMP which would allow him the opportunity to immediately take advantage of the run when it presented. REGENCY HAPPY STAR (H248): Over the final 200 Metres lay out under pressure. Sent for sampling post-race. CALIFORNIA ICON (H404): No report. RATTAN WORLD (G384): Withdrawn on 24.1.25 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and replaced by Standby Declared Starter MULTIDARLING. Before being allowed to race again, RATTAN WORLD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.