20/10/2019  Shatin  Race 9

GOLD CHEST began very awkwardly and stumbled, resulting in its rider, K C Leung, becoming badly unbalanced. COLUMBUS COUNTY and HO HO KHAN were steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. From the outside barrier, GRACEANDMERCY was also steadied to obtain cover shortly after the start. Throughout the race, HEZTHEWONFORUS travelled wide and without cover. B Shinn (HO HO KHAN) was spoken to regarding his use of the whip over the concluding stages on a horse out of contention. After the race, M F Poon, the rider of COLUMBUS COUNTY, stated that his mount kicked out on a number of occasions in the barriers prior to the start being effected. The Veterinary Officer subsequently reported that COLUMBUS COUNTY had sustained a laceration below the right stifle. When questioned regarding the performance of FLYING THUNDER, G van Niekerk stated that whilst the horse was somewhat disappointing in its barrier trial in the lead up to today’s race, it had performed similarly on the All Weather surface previously, so he was not particularly concerned with the manner in which it trialed. He said FLYING THUNDER was more stirred up prior to today’s race than it had been previously and sweated up quite badly. He said FLYING THUNDER travelled only fairly in the early stages and after racing in restricted room momentarily near the 800 Metres between GOLDEN SIXTY and EASY GO EASY GO, FLYING THUNDER then came off the bridle and did not travel well. He said FLYING THUNDER was racing to the outside of the eventual winner GOLDEN SIXTY rounding the Home Turn, however, that horse showed a superior turn of foot and FLYING THUNDER, despite being ridden out, was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. He added whilst FLYING THUNDER was disappointing, he was of the view that there may have been some circumstances which may have contributed to its performance, particularly the manner in which the horse would not relax prior to the start. A veterinary inspection of FLYING THUNDER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of FLYING THUNDER, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FLYING THUNDER 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 GOLD CHEST immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GOLDEN SIXTY and ENCOURAGING were sent for sampling.