25/04/2021  Shatin  Race 3

SOULMATE was slow to begin. Passing the 800 Metres, when being steadied in an attempt to obtain cover behind LIKE THAT, EXCELLENT DADDY, which was having its first race start in Hong Kong, got its head up and was then shifted out to prevent causing interference to runners on its inside. After this, EXCELLENT DADDY travelled wide and without cover. HARDLY SWEARS was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Close to the finishing line, HARDLY SWEARS was shifted out away from the heels of WAR OF COURAGE. Throughout the race, LIKE THAT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, J Moreira stated that it was anticipated that today’s race would be run at a good tempo and as FANTASTIC WAY was carrying top weight, he was instructed to have the horse racing in about a midfield position if possible. He said on jumping FANTASTIC WAY lifted its front feet off the ground and because of this began only fairly. He said he then shifted FANTASTIC WAY across behind runners to obtain cover and was positioned only marginally further back in the field than had been anticipated. He said after taking some time to pick up rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, FANTASTIC WAY then finished off the race well, however, its run ended close to the finishing line. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TRADER, K Teetan stated that he had ridden the horse in some of its work in the lead up to today’s race and that work had been good. He said he was able to take up a forward position on TRADER without having to make too much use of the horse and TRADER then travelled strongly in the early and middle stages. He said when WAR OF COURAGE commenced to improve its position beside TRADER passing the 450 Metres, TRADER did not respond as he anticipated. He said based on the manner in which the horse had travelled up to that point, he anticipated that TRADER would be able to establish a margin over WAR OF COURAGE, however, the horse was only one-paced rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight. He added after shifting out and bumping WAR OF COURAGE passing the 400 Metres, TRADER immediately came under heavy pressure and did not quicken at any stage. He said TRADER maintained its position until about the 200 Metres, however, was very disappointing in the manner in which it weakened over the concluding stages. He said after the race TRADER felt comfortable in its action and he was therefore unable to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance. Mr D A Hayes, the trainer of TRADER, stated that he was very disappointed with the performance of the horse. He said the only explanation he could possibly arrive at which may explain the run was that TRADER may have got its tongue back during the race and therefore it is his intention to experiment with a tongue tie in the horse’s work in the immediate future to see whether it would perform better with this piece of equipment applied. A veterinary inspection of TRADER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of TRADER, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TRADER 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 OUR CLASS ACT and PASSING FASHION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WAR OF COURAGE and FANTASTIC WAY were sent for sampling.