10/02/2019  Shatin  Race 6

MONICA began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of DESTIN, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. FORTUNATE RUNNER shifted out at the start and made contact with COOLCELEB which in turn shifted out and inconvenienced SUPER STAR. From wide barriers, CHARIZARD and FRESH POWER were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. For some distance approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, CHARIZARD was very awkwardly placed close to the heels of GUY DRAGON when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse. After the 1100 Metres, GUY DRAGON commenced to travel keenly and was steadied away from the heels of SUPER STAR. Approaching the 900 Metres, SUPER STAR shifted in away from the heels of MURRAY’S PARTNERS and bumped the hindquarters of FORTUNATE RUNNER. Approaching the 400 Metres, GUY DRAGON shifted out abruptly when momentarily awkwardly placed outside the heels of FRESH POWER. Shortly after entering the Straight, FORTUNATE RUNNER was shifted to the inside of COOLCELEB to obtain clear running. Near the 250 Metres, FORTUNATE RUNNER lay out and raced tight inside COOLCELEB. After this, FORTUNATE RUNNER continued to lay out and near the 100 Metres bumped COOLCELEB which consequently shifted out. Throughout the race, CALLING THE SHOTS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Whyte was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of MURRAY’S PARTNERS. He said the horse travelled very well but when placed under pressure in the Straight did not quicken and gave ground after the 300 Metres. He said he had ridden MURRAY’S PARTNERS in track work in the lead up to today’s race and described that work as very good. He said based on the manner in which MURRAY’S PARTNERS had worked, it was anticipated that the horse would perform very well in today’s race. A veterinary inspection of MURRAY’S PARTNERS immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. A veterinary inspection of FRESH POWER and MONICA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER STAR and DIAMOND LEGEND were sent for sampling. <11/2/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>FRESH POWER, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. FRESH POWER was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer Y S Tsui this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, FRESH POWER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.