24/05/2020  Shatin  Race 1

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that LIKE THAT had blood present at its mouth. LIKE THAT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. SMILING FACE shifted in at the start and bumped SEA MONARCH which in turn shifted in, resulting in ENCHANTING START, which began only fairly, being steadied. After this, SMILING FACE was steadied to obtain cover. FORTUNE TRIPLE stumbled at the start. Approaching the 1100 Metres, SUNNY STAR was shifted in away from the heels of ENCHANTING START which, after being directed in by SEA MONARCH, was then shifted in away from that horse. In the early stages, SUPER TEN was steadied to obtain cover from the outside barrier and passing the 1100 Metres got its head up when travelling keenly. Approaching the 1000 Metres, SEA MONARCH travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TINKER BELLE. SEA MONARCH was then left racing wide and without cover passing the 1000 Metres. SMILING FACE lost its right front plate near the 600 Metres. In the early part of the Straight, SMILING FACE raced greenly and lay in under pressure. After the race, C Y Ho reported that after beginning only fairly, SUNNY STAR travelled well in a midfield position. He said although the moderate tempo of the race did not suit SUNNY STAR, nonetheless the horse, in his opinion, was disappointing as it came off the bridle well before the 500 Metres. He said when shifting to the outside of SEA MONARCH at the entrance to the Straight, SUNNY STAR raced tight inside SMILING FACE and then became unbalanced after the 400 Metres as a result of contact with SMILING FACE. He added after this SUNNY STAR came under pressure and then did not finish off the race as well as it did at its only other race start. A veterinary inspection of SUNNY STAR 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, SUNNY STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUNNY STAR, LIKE THAT and CHANCHENG PRINCE were sent for sampling.