01/01/2021  Shatin  Race 1

DURHAM STAR was withdrawn on 31.12.20 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (blood abnormality) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter CHIRON (C Soumillon). Before being allowed to race again, DURHAM STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MASTER FAY began very awkwardly and lost ground at the start. GOLDEN BOLT, which began only fairly, was steadied soon after the start when crowded for room between CHAMPION PRIDE and KRAYT’S GOLD which was taken in by FORTUNE CARRIER. From wide barriers, BRILLIANT CHINA and VIGOR CHAMP were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 600 Metres, OH BRAVO, which was racing greenly, was steadied when racing in restricted room between MASTER FAY and BRILLIANT which commenced to improve to the outside of the heels of TRAVEL GLORY. For a short distance after passing the 200 Metres, J Moreira, the rider of MASTER FAY, lost the use of his left stirrup iron which he regathered near the 150 Metres. After being held up for a short distance approaching the 100 Metres, VIGOR CHAMP commenced to improve into a run which then developed between JOYFUL WIN and TRAVEL GLORY (V Borges) which shifted out. After passing the 50 Metres, VIGOR CHAMP was steadied when TRAVEL GLORY shifted back in. V Borges was advised that whilst it was also evident that JOYFUL WIN had contributed to the tightening to VIGOR CHAMP by shifting out slightly under pressure, nonetheless he was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes more of an effort to keep his mounts straight. VIGOR CHAMP was then shifted to the outside of TRAVEL GLORY close to the finishing line. In the Straight, CHIRON hung in and proved difficult to ride. Throughout the race, HERO STAR travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of HERO STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. C Y Ho, the rider of KRAYT’S GOLD, was reminded of his responsibility to desist from using the whip on a horse which is out of contention. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BRILLIANT had bled from both nostrils. MASTER FAY and TRAVEL GLORY were sent for sampling.