22/11/2020  Shatin  Race 1

DYNAMIC EAGLE and FULL POWER bumped at the start. SMART COUSIN began awkwardly. BULLISH GLORY was slow to begin and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From a wide barrier, CHEERFUL STAR was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1700 Metres, MAGNETISM shifted in and made contact with DYNAMIC EAGLE. KING’S RACE travelled wide and without cover until near the 1300 Metres. Passing the 1100 Metres, MAGNETISM raced tight outside SMART COUSIN which improved to the outside of WEALTHY EMPLOYEE. MAGNETISM was then left racing wide and without cover passing the 900 Metres. At the entrance to the Straight, DYNAMIC EAGLE shifted out and brushed the hindquarters of MAGNETISM. After this, DYNAMIC EAGLE and MAGNETISM raced tight for some distance. KUNGFUMASTER PANDA was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and passing the 400 Metres was checked away from the heels of EXALTATION which was commencing to give ground. SKY GEM lay in under pressure in the early part of the Straight and passing the 300 Metres was awkwardly placed outside the heels of KING’S RACE. Approaching the 250 Metres, DYNAMIC EAGLE lay out away from KUNGFUMASTER PANDA which shifted out from behind ABOVE to obtain clear running. The performance of WEALTHY EMPLOYEE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WEALTHY EMPLOYEE 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 race, J Moreira stated that in accordance with his instructions he rode EXALTATION positively in the early stages from the wide barrier to take up a forward position. He said due to the circumstances of the race EXALTATION was left racing wide and without cover from the 1300 Metres. He said although EXALTATION was required to travel wide and without cover, nonetheless the horse was very disappointing in that it did not quicken when asked and raced "flat”. A veterinary inspection of EXALTATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FULL POWER and FAMILY LEADER were sent for sampling.