12/05/2021  Shatin  Race 5

On arrival at the Start, C Y Ho expressed concern regarding the action of THOU SHALL SING. A veterinary examination of THOU SHALL SING found that horse to be lame in the left hind leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, THOU SHALL SING was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, THOU SHALL SING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOKO began awkwardly and then despite being vigorously ridden in the early stages failed to muster speed. Near the 1100 Metres, WISDOM PATCH got its head on the side and shifted in away from the heels of THE BEST HERO and in doing so bumped MAGIC SUPREME. After being brushed by INFINITE POWER approaching the 600 Metres, HANDSOME REBEL became badly unbalanced and lost ground. The Stewards were of the opinion that as there was no rider carelessness involved with this incident, no further action was taken. When HANDSOME REBEL lost ground, HOLYSHOWCASING, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence. Passing the 400 Metres, LITTLE THUNDER, when being ridden along, shifted in abruptly, requiring its rider to stop riding and correct his mount. WISDOM PATCH, which was following, was awkwardly placed behind LITTLE THUNDER in consequence. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MAGIC SUPREME, A Badel stated that it was intended for the horse to be ridden in a forward position behind the speed if possible. He said MAGIC SUPREME began awkwardly and shifted out towards the heels of WISDOM PATCH, resulting in MAGIC SUPREME becoming unbalanced and losing ground. He said this resulted in MAGIC SUPREME racing further back in the field than had been intended. He said after riding his mount along shortly after the start to obtain a midfield position, MAGIC SUPREME travelled fairly making the first turn at which stage the horse became unbalanced. He said MAGIC SUPREME immediately came off the bridle and then despite being ridden along failed to finish off the race. He added he was unable to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of MAGIC SUPREME other than the fact that the horse was required to race back in the field. A veterinary inspection of MAGIC SUPREME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MAGIC SUPREME, a last start winner and favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MAGIC SUPREME 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 WISDOM PATCH immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. A veterinary inspection of GOKO immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. As this was the 4th occasion since 22 January 2020 that GOKO was reported to be a "roarer” after the race, the Stewards referred this matter to the Department of Veterinary Regulation, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy for further assessment in respect of the status of the horse’s roaring condition and whether further tests are required to establish its suitability to continue racing in the near future. A veterinary inspection of LITTLE THUNDER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. INFINITE POWER, GALLANT LEGACY and THE BEST HERO were sent for sampling.