05/07/2020  Shatin  Race 5

K Teetan (SUPER ALLIANCES) was fined the sum of $3,000 for failing to present himself in the Parade Ring by the required time. COOL ACE began only fairly, then shifted in and was steadied away from the heels of EIGHT TRIGRAMS. JUMBO ENGINE began awkwardly. SHIMMER AND SHINE shifted out at the start and hampered SUPER ALLIANCES. MOMENTUM GALAXY shifted out at the start and made contact with MASTERWORK. A short distance later, MOMENTUM GALAXY became unbalanced when bumped by MASTERWORK which was taken in by LITTLE THUNDER. Passing the 800 Metres, MOMENTUM GALAXY raced tight between JUMBO ENGINE and LITTLE THUNDER which got its head on the side and lay in. Near the 550 Metres, STRIKING MR C (Apprentice C L Chau) shifted to the outside of VIVA COUNCIL into running which was available between that horse and LITTLE THUNDER which had shifted out when commencing to give ground. STRIKING MR C then shifted out marginally further and brushed LITTLE THUNDER which then became badly unbalanced when racing tight inside SUPER ALLIANCES. When LITTLE THUNDER became badly unbalanced, that horse shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of STRIKING MR C which was turned out, causing LITTLE THUNDER to then be severely checked when crowded for room between STRIKING MR C and SUPER ALLIANCES. Apprentice Chau was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted that he had shifted out into running which was available for him, nonetheless in those circumstances he must ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting further ground, resulting in unnecessary crowding. In this incident, STRIKING MR C stumbled when unbalanced as a result of being bumped on the hindquarters by LITTLE THUNDER. Throughout the race, FORTUNE HAPPINESS travelled wide and without cover. The performance of LITTLE THUNDER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LITTLE THUNDER 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 MOMENTUM GALAXY, LITTLE THUNDER and VIVA COUNCIL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER ALLIANCES, EIGHT TRIGRAMS and STRIKING MR C were sent for sampling. <6/7/2020 Additional Veterinary Report>VIVA COUNCIL, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. VIVA COUNCIL was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer L Ho 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, VIVA COUNCIL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.