23/11/2019  Shatin  Race 5

CHAMP PATROL was crowded for room on jumping between STAR LUCK and FANTASTIC FABIO which shifted out. MEGA RED and STAR LUCK bumped on jumping. After travelling a short distance, BEST ALLIANCE raced in restricted room between MOMENTUM GALAXY and MR WEALTH which was taken out by STAR MAJESTIC. From a wide barrier, TEAM FORTUNE was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Passing the 800 Metres, BEST ALLIANCE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of MOMENTUM GALAXY. Near the 750 Metres, FANTASTIC FEELING was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 600 Metres, BEST ALLIANCE shifted out away from the heels of MOMENTUM GALAXY and was awkwardly placed inside the hindquarters of ELITE PATCH. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of STAR LUCK, C Schofield stated that he noted it had barrier trialed very well in the lead up to today’s race and he anticipated that the horse, which had been successful on the All Weather surface, would perform well today. He said, from barrier 3, he was able to take up a forward position behind the speed and STAR LUCK initially travelled satisfactorily. He said however after the 700 Metres he had to niggle at STAR LUCK to maintain its position to the inside of MR WEALTH and then at the 600 Metres had to ride his mount along as STAR LUCK was reluctant to maintain its position. He added STAR LUCK came under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn and, despite being ridden out in the Straight, did not finish off the race and was very disappointing. A veterinary inspection of STAR LUCK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. The performance of STAR LUCK, which finished towards the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, STAR LUCK 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 CHAMP PATROL and MOMENTUM GALAXY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ELITE PATCH and FANTASTIC FEELING were sent for sampling.