01/04/2020  Shatin  Race 4

VIVA COUNCIL lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and then shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of EXCEL DELIGHT. JOYFUL MOMENTS began awkwardly and then lost ground when crowded for room between BLADE RACER and AIOLOS, both of which shifted ground. This resulted in JOYFUL MOMENTS racing at the rear of the field. From a wide barrier, LET’S GO PARTY was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Despite being aggressively ridden for a considerable distance in the early stages, STRATHCLYDE failed to muster speed. When being steadied to obtain cover after the 800 Metres, AIOLOS travelled strongly. Making the turn near the 700 Metres, DAILY BEAUTY shifted out and bumped STRATHCLYDE. Approaching the 400 Metres, GOLDIE FLANKER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of AIOLOS when unable to improve between that horse and JOYFUL MOMENTS. In this incident, JOYFUL MOMENTS became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by GOLDIE FLANKER. In the early part of the Straight, BLADE RACER got its head on the side and lay out when giving ground. Passing the 300 Metres, SOLAR VICTORY, which was giving ground, was steadied away from the heels of SUPREME PATROL (M L Yeung) which got its head on the side and lay out. M L Yeung was reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to make more of an effort to prevent his mounts from shifting ground than he did on this occasion. After this, SUPREME PATROL continued to lay out under pressure. Approaching the 200 Metres, Apprentice C Wong (VIVA COUNCIL) dropped his whip. After the 200 Metres, EXCEL DELIGHT lay out and shifted ground, requiring its rider to stop riding and straighten his mount. Then over the concluding stages, EXCEL DELIGHT continued to lay out under pressure. Throughout the race, BLADE RACER travelled wide and without cover. The performance of SOLAR VICTORY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SOLAR VICTORY 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 SOLAR VICTORY immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a minor laceration to the right stifle. A veterinary inspection of BLADE RACER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SKY TREASURE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. GOLDIE FLANKER and EXCEL DELIGHT were sent for sampling. <2/4/2020 Additional Veterinary Report>SOLAR VICTORY, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time the horse had sustained a minor laceration to the right stifle. SOLAR VICTORY was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P F Yiu this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in right front leg. As previously advised, SOLAR VICTORY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.