16/06/2019  Shatin  Race 4

On arrival at the Start, Apprentice K H Chan expressed concern regarding the action of WITNESS HUNTER. WITNESS HUNTER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who, after the necessary consultations, said the horse was suitable to race. SUNSHINE WARRIOR, which was restless in the barriers, lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and consequently lost a significant amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, SUNSHINE WARRIOR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. NATURAL FLARE shifted out at the start and made contact with ELECTRIC LIGHTNING. WITNESS HUNTER began very awkwardly and then despite being ridden along in the early stages failed to muster speed and settled back in the field. After the 1500 Metres, WITNESS HUNTER was steadied away from the heels of SUNNY POWER which shifted out. Approaching the 1300 Metres, SUNNY POWER was steadied when racing in restricted room inside SMART ROCKET which improved to be racing tight inside the heels of LITTLE GENERAL. At the 1100 Metres, ELECTRIC LIGHTNING was left racing wide and without cover. For some distance approaching the 1000 Metres, SUNSHINE WARRIOR raced tight and came into contact with SPIRIT PATCH which shifted out from behind SMART ROCKET. Then near the 950 Metres, SUNSHINE WARRIOR was left racing very wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, SUNSHINE WARRIOR (K Teetan) was brushed by LITTLE GENERAL and taken wider when that horse improved to the outside of the heels of ELECTRIC LIGHTNING. Following the race, K Teetan stated that after having to be ridden along to make up lost ground after a tardy getaway, SUNSHINE WARRIOR was forced to work hard throughout the middle stages, particularly after being taken out by SPIRIT PATCH near the 950 Metres. He said that SUNSHINE WARRIOR was a beaten horse soon after straightening and was not able to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of SUNSHINE WARRIOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. In the early part of the Straight, SUNNY POWER was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SUCH A HAPPINESS which shifted around the heels of NATURAL FLARE to improve. Near the 300 Metres, WITNESS HUNTER was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of ELECTRIC LIGHTNING which was giving ground. A veterinary inspection of WITNESS HUNTER and LITTLE GENERAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LITTLE GENERAL, SUCH A HAPPINESS and SIMPLE ELEGANT were sent for sampling.