12/06/2019  Shatin  Race 2

TOUCH OF LUCK stumbled badly at the start, resulting in its rider becoming unbalanced and TOUCH OF LUCK losing ground. COOLCELEB shifted out at the start and bumped STRATHBARRA. From wide barriers, ENFOLDING and GOOD FIT were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the turn after passing the winning post on the first occasion, TOUCH OF LUCK commenced to travel keenly and got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of COOLCELEB. LASTING FRIENDSHIP lost its left front plate near the 1400 Metres. Approaching the 1400 Metres, as COOLCELEB was being steadied to allow CONFUCIUS DAY to cross, COOLCELEB shifted out marginally. TOUCH OF LUCK, which was following COOLCELEB, improved into tight running inside that horse and then was checked away from the heels of COOLCELEB passing the 1400 Metres as that horse shifted back in marginally. Approaching and passing the 1400 Metres, STRATHBARRA proved very difficult to settle and then was checked away from the heels of LASTING FRIENDSHIP after the 1200 Metres. After this, STRATHBARRA continued to travel very keenly. Near the 1100 Metres, CONFUCIUS DAY shifted out and inconvenienced LASTING FRIENDSHIP. Near the 800 Metres, the head piece with the pacifier with cowls carried by TOUCH OF LUCK came loose due to the velcro straps separating. Then near the 200 Metres, the head piece carried by TOUCH OF LUCK dislodged at which time the brow band also slipped back. Mr J Moore, the trainer of TOUCH OF LUCK, was spoken to regarding this matter with him undertaking to make the necessary alterations to the gear which was compliant with the Regulations. Near the 450 Metres, GOLDEN FOUR and GOOD FIT raced tight as GOLDEN FOUR improved into restricted room between that horse and STRATHBARRA. At the entrance to the Straight, STRATHBARRA shifted out and brushed GOLDEN FOUR. Throughout the race, STARLIT KNIGHT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, M L Yeung stated that as COOLCELEB was attempting the 1650 Metres on the All Weather surface for the first time, it was felt that the best opportunity for the horse to see out the distance would be to obtain a trailing position. He said however he was told that if no other rider was intent on leading, it was acceptable for him to do so. He said when CONFUCIUS DAY improved around COOLCELEB after passing the winning post on the first occasion, he was comfortable to allow that horse to cross COOLCELEB and obtain a position with cover behind that horse. He said after being crossed by CONFUCIUS DAY, COOLCELEB appeared to lose interest in the race and, in his opinion, did not appreciate the kickback. He added this resulted in COOLCELEB coming under pressure a long way from finish and then in the Straight not closing off as the horse had done previously over shorter distances on this surface. A veterinary inspection of COOLCELEB immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of J Moreira (STARLIT KNIGHT), 5th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels all the way to the end of the race where circumstances permit. After the race, J Moreira expressed concern regarding the action of STARLIT KNIGHT. STARLIT KNIGHT was subsequently examined by the Veterinary Officer who said there were no significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, STARLIT KNIGHT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. STRATHBARRA lost its left front plate after the race. LASTING FRIENDSHIP and TOUCH OF LUCK were sent for sampling.