06/02/2021  Shatin  Race 8

SEVEN HEAVENS, which was leaning on the inside of its barrier stall, began awkwardly. LOYAL BABY began awkwardly and then was hampered when crowded for room between KEEP YOU WARM and WAR OF COURAGE, both of which shifted ground. In this incident, WAR OF COURAGE and KEEP YOU WARM bumped. KEEP YOU WARM lost its right hind plate in the early stages. Near the 850 Metres, WAR OF COURAGE was momentarily eased away from the heels of VALIANT DREAM (Z Purton) which shifted out when not quite clear. Z Purton was advised to exercise more care. WAR OF COURAGE was then bumped by JOYFUL FORTUNE approaching the 800 Metres when that horse shifted out away from the heels of KEEP YOU WARM. Approaching the 700 Metres, JOYFUL FORTUNE momentarily raced tight between KEEP YOU WARM and VALIANT DREAM. Passing the 100 Metres, PRINCE OF GEMS shifted out under pressure and raced tight inside SEVEN HEAVENS. Then close to the finishing line, PRINCE OF GEMS and SEVEN HEAVENS bumped. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of A Badel (KEEP YOU WARM), 3rd placegetter, close to the finishing line did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. After the race, J Moreira stated that just prior to the start being effected, JOYFUL FORTUNE commenced to put its head down and this resulted in the horse not being able to begin the race well as hoped. He said nonetheless the horse was able to obtain a forward position and whilst it did not finish off the race as strongly as he anticipated, he was satisfied with the manner in which it raced today. A veterinary inspection of JOYFUL FORTUNE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. Also after the race, C Schofield stated that, in his opinion, NORTHERN DRAGON, which was having its first race start in Hong Kong, did not feel comfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of NORTHERN DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of NORTHERN DRAGON, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, NORTHERN DRAGON will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JOYFUL FORTUNE, TRILLION WIN and VALIANT DREAM were sent for sampling.