19/02/2020  Shatin  Race 5

JOYFUL CHEERS was tightened for room on jumping between FOODIE PRINCESS which shifted in and MERIDIAN TALENT which began awkwardly and shifted out. This resulted in all three horses becoming unbalanced. From wide barriers, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU, BEST ALLIANCE and DEFINING MOMENT were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After travelling a short distance, FOODIE PRINCESS was crowded for room between CHUNGHWA JINGSHEN and JOYFUL CHEERS which shifted out. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, MISTER MONTE was momentarily crowded for room between CURLING LUXURY and MEGATRON which shifted out. Passing the 1400 Metres, MEGATRON raced tight between TANG FLEMING and CURLING LUXURY (L Hewitson) which shifted in. L Hewitson was advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. Passing the 1300 Metres, TANG FLEMING went amiss and was retired out of the race. As TANG FLEMING lost ground abruptly, MERIDIAN TALENT was checked away from the heels of that horse and shifted in, resulting in SUPREME PATROL being crowded for room and brushing the running rail. FOODIE PRINCESS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU, BEST ALLIANCE and CHUNG WAH SPIRIT, which were following TANG FLEMING, were all badly hampered in consequence. MISTER MONTE was shifted out away from TANG FLEMING, resulting in JOYFUL CHEERS, which was following, having to shift out abruptly away from the heels of MISTER MONTE. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TANG FLEMING had sustained an injury to the left front fetlock. After the 600 Metres, MERIDIAN TALENT commenced to give ground abruptly and finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of MERIDIAN TALENT immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, MERIDIAN TALENT will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BEST ALLIANCE had some difficulty obtaining a run after the 300 Metres and passing the 200 Metres was steadied and shifted to the outside of GOOD FIT to obtain clear running. The performance of JOYFUL CHEERS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, JOYFUL CHEERS 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 CHUNG WAH SPIRIT and JOYFUL CHEERS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FOODIE PRINCESS and THIS ONE’S FOR YOU were sent for sampling. Samples were also taken from TANG FLEMING.