13/09/2020  Shatin  Race 1

GOLD COMET began only fairly. BLOTTING PAPER and HANDSOME REBEL brushed shortly after the start. When questioned, Z Purton (SUPER KIN) stated that after beginning well he commenced to ride his mount along vigorously shortly after the start to maintain as prominent a position as possible. He said he was obliged to ride the horse along continually along the Back Straight including slapping it down the shoulder with the whip in order for it to maintain its position in about midfield. He said after the 700 Metres he had to ride SUPER KIN more vigorously in an attempt to maintain its positon and after laying out making the turn after the 600 Metres he balanced up SUPER KIN at the entrance to the Straight and then continued to ride it out all the way to the end of the race. He said whilst SUPER KIN did make up ground in the run to the finishing line, he was of the opinion that the horse, based on its run today, would appreciate a step-up in distance at its future starts. Z Purton was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, in the opinion of the Stewards, there had been a reduction in his vigour at the entrance to the Straight and he was consequently told to ride his mounts out in a consistent manner wherever appropriate circumstances exist. After the race, H T Mo (VIVA COUNCIL) reported that his mount had to be ridden along for some distance in the early stages to obtain a forward position as is usual. He said however VIVA COUNCIL did not travel comfortably at any stage of the race and after having to be ridden along from passing the 600 Metres then did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of VIVA COUNCIL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GOLDIE FLANKER 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, GOLDIE FLANKER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SUPER WINNER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER KIN, HANDSOME REBEL and BLOTTING PAPER were sent for sampling.