27/05/2020  Shatin  Race 5

BOND A STAR began very awkwardly and then lost ground when steadied away from the heels of WAYFOONG CHARMER which shifted out. BREEZE OF SPRING began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, GOLDIE FLANKER was steadied when crowded for room between HANDSOME REBEL and STRIKING MR C which shifted in. After travelling a short distance, STRIKING MR C was shifted in away from the heels of ELITE BOY which shifted in. STRIKING MR C was then steadied away from the heels of ELITE BOY (Apprentice C L Chau) which again shifted in after the 1100 Metres when not properly clear. Apprentice Chau was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. After the 1000 Metres, WAYFOONG CHARMER raced in restricted room inside STAR SUPERIOR which got its head on the side and lay in when being ridden along. Approaching the 200 Metres, WAYFOONG CHARMER was shifted out across the heels of STAR SUPERIOR to obtain clear running. When questioned, A Hamelin stated that he was instructed to ride VICTORY MASTERY towards the rear of the field. He said it was hoped that VICTORY MASTERY may be able to be in front of one or two horses, however, it was anticipated that it would be racing close to the rear of the field. He said after beginning satisfactorily he steadied his mount shortly after the start to shift it across to race behind STAR SUPERIOR. He said VICTORY MASTERY immediately commenced to hang in and got further out of its ground than anticipated in the early stages as he attempted to prevent it from hanging in. He added passing the 1100 Metres he changed his whip over into his right hand, however, VICTORY MASTERY would not race tractably and continued to hang in. He said he attempted to ride his mount along after the 1000 Metres to make up lost ground, however, VICTORY MASTERY was proving to be a difficult ride and because of this the horse got much further back in the field than had been intended. He said he rode his mount along in the middle stages, however, VICTORY MASTERY continued to lay in and then made the turn after the 700 Metres and the Home Turn awkwardly. A veterinary inspection of VICTORY MASTERY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HANDSOME REBEL, Z Purton was not able to offer any explanation for the horse’s failure to finish off the race. He said after taking a trailing position behind the leaders, HANDSOME REBEL raced inside the eventual winner STRIKING MR C and appeared to travel satisfactorily in the middle stages. He said however after placing his mount under pressure passing the 600 Metres, HANDSOME REBEL did not quicken and then finished off the race only one-paced in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of HANDSOME REBEL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HANDSOME REBEL, STRIKING MR C and GUNNAR were sent for sampling.