18/11/2018  Shatin  Race 9

EPTIMUM began only fairly and then was crowded for room inside SUMMER PASSAGE which was bumped and taken in by FANTASTIC EIGHT which got its head on the side and shifted in after initially being taken in by WAR ROOM. After this, SUMMER PASSAGE and WAR ROOM were shifted across behind runners. NEW ASIA SUNRISE began awkwardly. Also from the outside barrier, PATCH BABY was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Passing the 1000 Metres, EPTIMUM commenced to travel keenly and shifted out away from the heels of SHANGHAI MASTER, resulting in FANTASTIC EIGHT being taken wider. After this, EPTIMUM and FANTASTIC EIGHT both travelled wide and without cover. Passing the 300 Metres, RAGING STORM shifted out and bumped SUMMER PASSAGE. Approaching the 200 Metres, EPTIMUM momentarily raced in restricted room between FANTASTIC EIGHT and LIMITLESS which shifted out. Close to the finishing line, STORM SIGNAL raced tight inside LIMITLESS which got its head on the side and shifted in under pressure. After the race, A Badel stated that PATCH BABY did not feel completely comfortable in its action. He said he rode the horse along from after the 600 Metres and then shifted it to the outside of runners in the Straight, however, PATCH BABY did not quicken and then was disappointing in its failure to make up ground. The performance of PATCH BABY, which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PATCH BABY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of PATCH BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of PICK NUMBER ONE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. A veterinary inspection of SHANGHAI MASTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RAGING STORM and LIMITLESS were sent for sampling. <19/11/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>PICK NUMBER ONE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. PICK NUMBER ONE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C S Shum this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg with a stiff and restricted action. Before being allowed to race again, PICK NUMBER ONE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.