10/01/2021  Shatin  Race 9

SPLENDOUR AND GOLD was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, PERFECT TO GREAT was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. For some distance approaching and passing the 1400 Metres, TELECOM FIGHTERS travelled keenly when being steadied in an endeavour to obtain cover. TELECOM FIGHTERS was however left racing wide and without cover at the 900 Metres. After being shifted out to improve around the heels of A A AGILITY approaching the 500 Metres, EXCEPTIONAL NICE then lay out rounding the Home Turn. At the entrance to the Straight, SPLENDOUR AND GOLD was shifted in abruptly away from the heels of the tiring A A AGILITY. CHATER PINS was held up for clear running from approaching the 200 Metres until after passing the 150 Metres. BEAUTY DAY shifted out under pressure and raced tight with ENTRUSTED close to the finishing line. When questioned, J Moreira stated that, from a favourable barrier, CHEVALIER PRINCE jumped well and put itself into a good position behind the pace. He said after being directed out around the heels of the leaders at the entrance to the Straight, he anticipated that CHEVALIER PRINCE would close off the race strongly, however, the horse did not let down as he expected and then was disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground over the final 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of CHEVALIER PRINCE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. The performance of CHEVALIER PRINCE, second favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CHEVALIER PRINCE 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, Apprentice C Wong reported that with blinkers on today, he was instructed to ride A A AGILITY into a forward position. He said after doing some work to settle outside the leader SMOOTHIES, A A AGILITY came under heavy pressure prior to the Home Turn and then weakened badly in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of A A AGILITY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of A A AGILITY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, A A AGILITY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, Trainer P O’Sullivan stated that CASIMIRO had shown versatility in its recent racing and on 14 November 2020 it had been able to win in Class 4 company when ridden from near the tail of the field. He said up in class today and with barrier 10 he felt there was risk of CASIMIRO being caught racing wide and without cover if it were to be ridden forward, therefore he instructed Jockey V Borges to steady CASIMIRO and find cover in the hope that it would be able to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of CASIMIRO immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. SUPER FOOTBALL and BEAUTY DAY were sent for sampling.