12/07/2020  Shatin  Race 8

ENTRUSTED began only fairly, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of THE ROCK. CHARIZARD and SUPERB DADDY were crowded for room on jumping between CORDYCEPS which shifted out and EVER LAUGH which shifted in. RACING LUCK and FANTASTIC SHOW bumped at the start. From the outside barrier, SUPER ELEGANCE was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. In the early stages, DECISIVE ACTION was left racing very wide and without cover and after the 900 Metres was allowed to improve its position. Then at the 850 Metres, DECISIVE ACTION jumped a shadow on the track, became badly unbalanced and lost ground. After this, when continuing to race very wide and without cover, DECISIVE ACTION was eased down. A veterinary inspection of DECISIVE ACTION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, DECISIVE ACTION will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. At the entrance to the Straight, SUPER ELEGANCE raced tight outside EMERALD SPUR which made the Home Turn awkwardly. EMERALD SPUR then shifted in passing the 400 Metres and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of EVER LAUGH which shifted out marginally. EMERALD SPUR then shifted out abruptly away from the heels of EVER LAUGH, resulting in SUPER ELEGANCE being checked away from the heels of EMERALD SPUR. After the 300 Metres, THE ROCK shifted in and brushed CORDYCEPS. Passing the 100 Metres, CHARIZARD was awkwardly placed outside the heels of ENTRUSTED. Near the 50 Metres, FANTASTIC SHOW shifted in and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of THE ROCK. FANTASTIC SHOW was then shifted out away from the heels of THE ROCK and passing the winning post raced tight inside ENTRUSTED. Throughout the race, EVER LAUGH travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PRECISE EXPRESS, M Chadwick stated that it was intended for the horse to be ridden more forward than it was last start due to being drawn barrier 1. He said on jumping PRECISE EXPRESS got its head up and began only fairly and for this reason he had to ride his mount along in the early stages and was able to obtain a midfield position inside THE ROCK. He said the tempo of the race was quick in the early and middle stages and PRECIOUS EXPRESS, in his opinion, did not seem to be comfortable with the strong tempo of the race. He said PRECISE EXPRESS was always off the bridle and came under pressure prior to the 600 Metres. He added PRECISE EXPRESS was not able to quicken with MR ALDAN, the eventual winner, in the early part of the Straight and after coming under heavy pressure after the 400 Metres then gave ground over the concluding stages. He said in addition to the race being run at a good tempo, he was also of the opinion that PRECISE EXPRESS may not have backed up from its last start success eleven days ago given that today was only the horse’s fifth race start in Hong Kong. A veterinary inspection of PRECISE EXPRESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of PRECISE EXPRESS, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PRECISE EXPRESS 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 RACING LUCK immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of SUPER ELEGANCE immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER ELEGANCE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MR ALDAN and THE ROCK were sent for sampling. <13/7/2020 Additional Veterinary Report>PRECISE EXPRESS, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. PRECISE EXPRESS was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P F Yiu this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg and have a restricted action all round. As previously advised, PRECISE EXPRESS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.