15/12/2019  Shatin  Race 5

When being saddled up, AUTHENTIC CHAMP became fractious and fell over. A veterinary examination of AUTHENTIC CHAMP found that horse to be lame in the left hind leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, AUTHENTIC CHAMP was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, AUTHENTIC CHAMP will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WOOD ON FIRE began only fairly and then lost ground after becoming unbalanced when bumped by PILKCLONE which shifted in. SPRINT FORWARD shifted out at the start and hampered MIGHTY GIANT which in turn bumped JOYFUL HEART which began awkwardly. From the outside barrier, GOLDEN FOUR was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Passing the 1350 Metres, MIGHTY GIANT and JOYFUL HEART bumped. In the early stages, PILKCLONE travelled very keenly and near the 1250 Metres was checked away from the heels of DESTIN which was shifted out away from the heels of JOYFUL HEART. After this, PILKCLONE raced greenly and got its head up for some distance and after the 1100 Metres shifted out abruptly away from the heels of AMAZING. Also in the early stages, SIMPLY FLUKE travelled wide and without cover and near the 800 Metres was allowed to improve its position to race outside the lead. Both FANTASTIC BOY and WOOD ON FIRE were held up for clear running until near the 300 Metres. Then approaching the 150 Metres, FANTASTIC BOY was shifted out away from the heels of ADONIS and across the heels of SIMPLY FLUKE to obtain clear running. Near the 150 Metres, JOYFUL HEART shifted out under pressure, requiring its rider having to stop riding and straighten his mount. A veterinary inspection of AMAZING 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, AMAZING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of CARE FREE PRINCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SPRINT FORWARD and MIGHTY GIANT were sent for sampling.