24/05/2020  Shatin  Race 8

At the entrance to the Straight, HELENE CHARISMA was shifted out away from the heels of TIME WARP which was giving ground. After this, TIME WARP weakened out of the race and finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of TIME WARP immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of TIME WARP was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TIME WARP will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the 400 Metres, FURORE and CHEFANO raced tight. Approaching the 300 Metres, FURORE shifted out and bumped CHEFANO, causing both horse to become unbalanced. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he was instructed to ride CHEFANO positively in the early stages to obtain a position outside TIME WARP, the anticipated leader of the race. He said he was further told to allow his mount to stride forward at the 1000 Metres to ensure that the race would be a true staying test as it was anticipated that the favourite for the race EXULTANT would have to come from behind CHEFANO. He said in the early stages, despite being ridden along, CHEFANO did not show as much early speed as EXULTANT which was drawn to its outside. He said he continued to ride his mount along for some distance in the early stages, however, it became apparent to him that he would have had to make considerable use of CHEFANO in an attempt to hold out EXULTANT and consequently after travelling 200 Metres he elected to take a trailing position. He said after following EXULTANT in the early and middle stages, he shifted CHEFANO out and allowed it to improve near the 1000 Metres in order to either quicken the tempo of the race which would have allowed CHEFANO to resume its position behind EXULTANT or improve around that horse. He said when he improved to the outside of EXULTANT after the 1000 Metres, FURORE and HELENE CHARISMA were able to improve their position inside CHEFANO and he was therefore not able to shift in behind EXULTANT when that horse was ridden to maintain its position outside TIME WARP. He added CHEFANO came off the bridle passing the 800 Metres and he had to ride the horse along for some distance to maintain its position. He said this included having to use the whip on the horse prior to the 500 Metres. He said CHEFANO responded well to his riding and sustained a strong run in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of EAGLE WAY immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. EXULTANT and CHEFANO were sent for sampling. <25/5/2020 Additional Veterinary Report>EAGLE WAY, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time the horse was found to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. EAGLE WAY was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer J Moore this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, EAGLE WAY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.