16/02/2020  Shatin  Race 4

Just prior to the start being effected, MY WINNER turned its head to the right and consequently was very slow to begin. Before being allowed to race again, MY WINNER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. LIGHTNING STEED shifted out at the start and bumped GOLDEN FOUR. GOLDEN FOUR was then crowded for room a short distance later between LIGHTNING STEED which shifted out and HAPPY WARRIOR which shifted in after being bumped on the hindquarters by GOLDEN FOUR. From wide barriers, SO HAPPY, GALAXY EMPEROR and LASTING FRIENDSHIP were all steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Passing the 1000 Metres, GOLDEN FOUR was steadied away from the heels of HAPPY WARRIOR. Near the 850 Metres, YES WE CAN and HAPPY TANGO were crowded for room inside HAPPY WARRIOR which got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly away from TRIPLE TRIPLE (J Moreira) after racing tight inside that horse. J Moreira was advised that whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the racing manners of HAPPY WARRIOR had played a significant part in this incident, nonetheless he was reprimanded and told to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. After the 800 Metres, GOLDEN FOUR and LEADING FORTUNE were left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 500 Metres, GOLDEN FOUR raced tight outside HAPPY TANGO which attempted to improve to the outside of HAPPY WARRIOR. At the entrance to the Straight, HAPPY TANGO was shifted to the inside of HAPPY WARRIOR when unable to proceed between that horse and GOLDEN FOUR. At the 400 Metres, SO HAPPY was shifted in away from the heels of HAPPY TANGO. SO HAPPY was then held up for clear running until after the 200 Metres. HAPPY WARRIOR lost its right front plate after the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TRIPLE TRIPLE, J Moreira stated that he had to make use of the horse in the early stages to cross runners to his inside from a wide barrier in order to take up a forward position. He said it was not until near the 800 Metres that he was able to cross to race in a position one horse away from the rail and due to the amount of use that he had to make of TRIPLE TRIPLE in the early stages the horse then failed to finish off the race over the final 200 Metres and weakened noticeably. A veterinary inspection of TRIPLE TRIPLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of TRIPLE TRIPLE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TRIPLE TRIPLE 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 LIGHTNING STEED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MIGHTY GIANT and MY WINNER were sent for sampling.