27/10/2019  Shatin  Race 1

NEVER BETTER was withdrawn on 25.10.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, NEVER BETTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DATING began only fairly and then was crowded for room between CORRE RAPIDO and ROMAN ODYSSEY which was taken out by EXPONENTS which, after stumbling on jumping, was then taken out by CHARITYDREAM. When crowded for room, DATING bumped the hindquarters of CORRE RAPIDO which became unbalanced. FIRE AND GOLD began awkwardly and then from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners shortly after the start. KEEP GOING shifted in at the start and bumped ROCHFORD. After this, from a wide barrier, KEEP GOING was steadied to obtain cover. Near the 750 Metres, I’M THE CONQUIST was steadied away from the heels of SUREWIN (N Callan) which shifted in when not properly clear. N Callan was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground. After this, SUREWIN was left racing wide and without cover. At the 400 Metres, ROMAN ODYSSEY was momentarily steadied away from the heels of EXPONENTS which shifted out. In the early part of the Straight, RUN MOOCHI got its head on the side and lay in and consequently raced tight outside SUREWIN near the 150 Metres. After the race, M F Poon (RUN MOOCHI) stated that his saddle shifted to the left hand side, placing him at a disadvantage for the remainder of the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of I’M THE CONQUIST, A Sanna stated that the horse had done particularly well since its most recent race start and I’M THE CONQUIST was expected to perform well today. He said in accordance with his instructions he obtained cover behind SUREWIN near the 750 Metres. He said after being crossed by SUREWIN, I’M THE CONQUIST immediately came under heavy pressure and was not able to maintain its position behind that horse. He said I’M THE CONQUIST gave ground rounding the Home Turn despite being vigorously ridden and it was not until the concluding stages that the horse made any discernible ground. A veterinary inspection of I’M THE CONQUIST immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ROMAN ODYSSEY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of DATING immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. I’M THE CONQUIST, ROCHFORD and RUN MOOCHI were sent for sampling.