13/10/2018  Shatin  Race 3

I’M A WITNESS, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 11.10.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sinus infection). Before being allowed to race again, I’M A WITNESS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GLITTERING ARMOUR began only fairly and then was crowded for room between LOADED and REGENCY HONEY, both of which shifted ground abruptly. This resulted in GLITTERING ARMOUR losing ground and LOADED and REGENCY HONEY becoming unbalanced. ADONIS began awkwardly and then became unbalanced when bumped by NATURAL FLARE which shifted in after being inconvenienced by SUPER EURO STAR. ADONIS then shifted in when unbalanced and bumped M REBORN which was crowded for room. After this, NATURAL FLARE failed to muster speed despite being ridden along and settled back in the field. SNOWHOOVES and SUNNY ORIENT bumped at the start. Approaching the 800 Metres, SUNNY ORIENT was left racing wide and without cover. HOT HOT PEPPER made the Home Turn awkwardly. Approaching the 200 Metres, REGENCY HONEY was momentarily eased away from the heels of RICHCITY FORTUNE (Apprentice H T Mo) which shifted out when not quite clear. Apprentice Mo was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground. Passing the 200 Metres, SUNNY ORIENT shifted out away from the heels of HOT HOT PEPPER which shifted out away from RICHCITY FORTUNE. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ADONIS, M Chadwick stated that it was anticipated that the horse would race very well today given that it was down in grade and the manner in which it worked when ridden by him in the lead up to today’s race. He said it was anticipated that there would be good pace in the race and it was hoped that ADONIS would be able to obtain a position behind the speed in front of midfield. He said after beginning awkwardly ADONIS was able to improve its position in the early stages and he was very happy with the position that he was able to obtain behind HOT HOT PEPPER. He said however making the turn after the 900 Metres he immediately became concerned as ADONIS was not travelling as strongly as it had done when ridden by him in the past. He said passing the 500 Metres there was an opportunity for ADONIS to improve its position inside HOT HOT PEPPER when that horse shifted to the outside of SCARBOROUGH FAIR, however, despite being ridden along, ADONIS was not able to improve its position which allowed REGENCY HONEY the opportunity to take advantage of that run. He added ADONIS, despite being ridden along rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, did not quicken and then did not respond to his riding for the remainder of the race. A veterinary inspection of ADONIS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of REGENCY HONEY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HOT HOT PEPPER immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. RICHCITY FORTUNE, GLITTERING ARMOUR and M REBORN were sent for sampling.