26/12/2020  Shatin  Race 9

GREEN LUCK began only fairly. GLORIOUS ARTIST was left racing wide and without cover at the 1100 Metres. Over the concluding stages, RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE was inconvenienced when awkwardly placed outside the heels of GLORIOUS ARTIST (K C Leung) which shifted out. K C Leung was advised to make more of an effort to keep his mounts on a straight course. When questioned regarding his riding of RED DESERT, T Piccone stated that from the outside barrier and with the horse stepping up in distance to 1650 Metres today, he was asked to have the horse relaxed and not to make excessive use of RED DESERT in the early stages. He said as the start was effected RED DESERT turned its head to the left and then began awkwardly, so he immediately elected to shift the horse across behind runners in an endeavour to obtain cover. He said when racing very wide on the first turn, he steadied RED DESERT further to find a position closer to the rail which resulted in the horse settling much further than had been intended. He added that when brought to the outside prior to straightening, RED DESERT commenced to make ground and then closed off well in the Straight. Trainer J Size was asked to clarify his instructions and said he agreed that he had asked Jockey Piccone to have the horse relaxed, but felt that RED DESERT’s natural pace would have it either in the lead or near the lead and it was surprising to him to see the horse settle so far back in the field. After considering the evidence of both T Piccone and Mr Size, the Stewards accepted that Jockey Piccone may have misinterpreted Mr Size’s instructions, however, no further action was taken. After the race, M F Poon stated that ELITE PATCH travelled comfortably enough in the box seat throughout the early and middle stages, however, came off the bridle rounding the Home Turn and then was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of ELITE PATCH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, C Y Ho stated that when under pressure in the Straight, HOLY HEART made a loud breathing noise and as the horse was out of contention after passing the 200 Metres, he eased it down over the latter stages and promptly dismounted after passing the winning post. A veterinary inspection of HOLY HEART immediately following the race found that horse to have a continuous epiglottic entrapment. The performance of HOLY HEART, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HOLY HEART 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 STAR PERFORMANCE, which came under heavy pressure prior to the 600 Metres, immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ELUSIVE STATE, GLORIOUS ARTIST and MAGNIFICENT were sent for sampling.