28/03/2021  Shatin  Race 9

WAR OF COURAGE and BIG FORTUNE bumped at the start. ALL IN MIND shifted out at the start and bumped FORTE. ALL IN MIND then got its head up on a number of occasions shortly after the start when being steadied to obtain cover from a wide barrier. On jumping, WHAT A LEGEND, which was being steadied to shift across behind runners, got its head up. ROYAL AGILITY and PRESIDENT’S CHOICE were steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Approaching the 300 Metres, CHICKEN DANCE was held up for clear running behind FORTE. At the 300 Metres, CHANCHENG PRINCE was directed out away from the heels of FORTE which shifted out. Approaching the 200 Metres, CHICKEN DANCE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of WAR OF COURAGE when improving into tight running between that horse and FORTE. Passing the 200 Metres, LOYAL BABY improved into very tight running inside MAJESTIC STAR. LOYAL BABY was then crowded for room approaching the 150 Metres inside MAJESTIC STAR which shifted in marginally. As the Stewards were of the opinion that there was no rider carelessness attributable to this incident, no further action was taken. Approaching and passing the 150 Metres, ALL IN MIND was steadied away from the heels of BIG FORTUNE when held up for clear running behind that horse. Over the final 75 Metres, MAJESTIC STAR and ALL IN MIND raced tight as ALL IN MIND improved into very tight running between MAJESTIC STAR and BIG FORTUNE. This resulted in ALL IN MIND not being able to be fully tested over the concluding stages. Passing the 150 Metres, WHAT A LEGEND was shifted to the inside of CHICKEN DANCE to obtain clear running. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FORTE, J Moreira attributed the horse’s performance to the contact with ALL IN MIND on jumping. He said FORTE and ALL IN MIND made heavy contact at the start which resulted in FORTE becoming unbalanced. He said he then rode his mount forward from the outside barrier and throughout the race was required to travel wide and without cover. He said FORTE did not travel comfortably at any stage of the race and then after being placed under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight commenced to give ground after the 200 Metres. He added as FORTE was well beaten at this stage, he did not persist in riding his mount along. A veterinary inspection of FORTE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CHANCHENG PRINCE and JUNEAU PARK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CHANCHENG PRINCE, GOOD VIEW CLARICO and BIG FORTUNE were sent for sampling.