03/11/2019  Shatin  Race 5

DESTIN began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped FANTASTIC SHOW. After this, both DESTIN and FANTASTIC SHOW were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. SPRINT FORWARD was also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover from a wide barrier. FOREVER BRIGHT began very awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of JOYFUL HEART, causing both horses to become unbalanced. BREAK RECORD was crowded for room on jumping between CENTRAL EXPRESS and COLORADO HIGH, both of which shifted ground. Shortly after the start, CHAPARRAL STAR was momentarily crowded for room between CITY LEGEND and RELENTLESS ME which shifted out marginally. Approaching the 1100 Metres, COLORADO HIGH and CENTRAL EXPRESS momentarily raced tight inside CASIMIRO which then shifted out to improve its position to relieve the tightening. CASIMIRO then travelled wide and without cover until passing the 700 Metres. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, CHAPARRAL STAR got its head on the side and hung out towards the heels of COLORADO HIGH. After the 700 Metres, SPRINT FORWARD became unbalanced when racing tight between DESTIN and CHAPARRAL STAR which continued to lay out. Near the 550 Metres, SPRINT FORWARD raced in restricted room between CHAPARRAL STAR and DESTIN which improved to be racing close to the heels of VITAL SPRING. DESTIN was then shifted out away from the heels of VITAL SPRING approaching the 500 Metres, resulting in FANTASTIC SHOW being directed out away from the heels of DESTIN in consequence. At the 400 Metres, BREAK RECORD was shifted in away from the heels of JOYFUL HEART. SPRINT FORWARD was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and after the 300 Metres was shifted to the outside of runners to obtain clear running. Near the 350 Metres, SMILING SUCCESS, which was giving ground, was momentarily crowded for room between CITY LEGEND which shifted out marginally and CASIMIRO (G van Niekerk) which shifted in. G van Niekerk was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Passing the 300 Metres, CHAPARRAL STAR was shifted out away from the heels of SMILING SUCCESS which was giving ground. CHAPARRAL STAR was then shifted in away from the heels of CENTRAL EXPRESS to obtain clear running passing the 200 Metres. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of COLORADO HIGH, J Moreira stated that after being able to obtain a position in about midfield, the horse travelled satisfactorily albeit not as well as it did at its last start when ridden by him and when successful. He said when he asked COLORADO HIGH to improve its position rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, the horse did not quicken as it did last start. A veterinary inspection of COLORADO HIGH immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, COLORADO HIGH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SPRINT FORWARD and SMILING SUCCESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on BREAK RECORD at the request of Trainer C S Shum. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse's trachea. RELENTLESS ME and DESTIN were sent for sampling.