06/02/2021  Shatin  Race 2

MASTER OF FUN began awkwardly and got its head up. FARIBAULT and BELLA BABY both began only fairly. DRAGON KINGDOM began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped VALIANT ELEGANCE. SUPER COMMANDER was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. A short distance after the start, HURRY HURRY GAIN shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of MULTIPOWER. Passing the 800 Metres, HURRY HURRY GAIN was steadied away from the heels of MULTIPOWER which lay in away from UNITED WE STAND. After this, MULTIPOWER raced greenly and approaching the 700 Metres shifted out towards the heels of UNITED WE STAND, resulting in the horse having to be corrected. Passing the 600 Metres, VALIANT ELEGANCE shifted out after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of SELL MY SOLE. Passing the 450 Metres, BELLA BABY got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of MULTIPOWER. BELLA BABY was then badly held up for clear running for some distance approaching and passing the 300 Metres and approaching the 200 Metres was checked away from the heels of UNITED WE STAND which was giving ground. In this incident, BELLA BABY shifted out, resulting in MULTIPOWER being crowded for room to the outside of BELLA BABY. After this, BELLA BABY continued to be awkwardly placed close to the heels of UNITED WE STAND which continued to give ground. Then after momentarily improving into tight running outside UNITED WE STAND near the 150 Metres, BELLA BABY was then checked when crowded for room passing the 100 Metres as UNITED WE STAND was bumped on the hindquarters by DRAGON KINGDOM as that horse was being checked and UNTIED WE STAND was shifted out in an attempt to alleviate the crowding to DRAGON KINGDOM. Because of these incidents, BELLA BABY was not able to be properly tested over the latter stages of the race. A veterinary inspection of BELLA BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Apprentice K H Chan (VALIANT ELEGANCE) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that for some distance after the 200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out, causing SUPER COMMANDER to be taken out onto DRAGON KINGDOM, resulting in DRAGON KINGDOM being checked and losing its rightful running approaching the 100 Metres when crowded for room between SUPER COMMANDER and UNITED WE STAND which shifted in marginally. Apprentice Chan was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 17 February 2021 and to expire on Thursday, 25 February 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Apprentice Chan was fined $5,000. Near the 50 Metres, SUPER COMMANDER was shifted out away from the heels of VALIANT ELEGANCE which shifted to the outside of SELL MY SOLE to obtain clear running. When questioned, Z Purton stated that UNITED WE STAND normally shows good early speed and is able to take up a forward position without having to be used up. He said today he had to ride his mount along for a considerable distance in the early stages to maintain a forward position. He said UNITED WE STAND did not travel comfortably at any stage and came under heavy pressure passing the 400 Metres. He added, despite being ridden along, UNITED WE STAND did not respond to his riding and was particularly disappointing in the manner in which it weakened in the Straight over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of UNITED WE STAND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of UNITED WE STAND, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, UNITED WE STAND 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 SELL MY SOLE immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, SELL MY SOLE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. UNITED WE STAND, PLEASANT ENDEAVOR and HURRY HURRY GAIN were sent for sampling.