26/04/2020  Shatin  Race 4

DUCKETT’S GROVE shifted out at the start and brushed HALL OF CHAMP. GIFT OF LIFELINE stumbled on jumping. After this, GIFT OF LIFELINE was shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier. From the outside barrier, VOLPINO was also steadied in the early stages and shifted across to obtain cover. MR ALDAN was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. SUCH A HAPPINESS and JOYFUL HEART made contact on several occasions shortly after the start. Near the 850 Metres, CHEERFUL LEADER got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of EVER LAUGH. After the 800 Metres, LAKESHORE EAGLE was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 600 Metres, SUCH A HAPPINESS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KIRAM. Approaching the 500 Metres, LAKESHORE EAGLE and JOYFUL HEART bumped as a result of JOYFUL HEART being taken out by DUCKETT’S GROVE which in turn raced tight outside EVER LAUGH as that horse improved to the outside of HALL OF CHAMP. SUCH A HAPPINESS was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight. CHEERFUL LEADER had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. LAKESHORE EAGLE lay in under pressure in the early part of the Straight. After the race, Z Purton stated that after quickening well in the early part of the Straight, JOYFUL HEART’s run ended after the 200 Metres which indicated to him that the horse may not have seen out the 1600 Metres of today’s race at Sha Tin at its first time of asking. A veterinary inspection of JOYFUL HEART immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of DUCKETT’S GROVE and COBY BA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HORSESAIN BOLT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. LAKESHORE EAGLE and CHEERFUL LEADER were sent for sampling.