04/07/2021  Shatin  Race 2

SMART THINKER was withdrawn on 2.7.21 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). STRONG ALLIANCE began only fairly. HAY RUN shifted out at the start, resulting in AMAZING LUCK being tightened for room inside MAGNETISM. From a wide barrier, AMAZING AGILITY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, STRONG ALLIANCE, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed when being steadied away from the heels of STAR WIN (H W Wai) which shifted in when not properly clear. H W Lai was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Near the 1350 Metres, SOCKET ELITE got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly which resulted in HAY RUN being badly hampered and taken out, causing SKY GEM to strike the heels of HAY RUN and stumble. In this incident, SKY GEM shifted in and inconvenienced AMAZING LUCK. As there was no rider carelessness involved with this incident, no further action was taken. MAGNETISM, which was following SKY GEM, was inconvenienced in consequence. After the 700 Metres, MAGNETISM raced tight outside EXALTATION which improved into tight running outside AMAZING LUCK. At the entrance to the Straight, FORTUNE PATROL was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SOCKET ELITE when being shifted to the inside of that horse to obtain clear running. When questioned, J Moreira (SKY GEM) stated that it was felt that today’s race did not contain many runners which possess early speed and therefore it may be available for SKY GEM to take up a more forward position from an outside barrier than is usual. He said he was asked to ride the horse positively in the early stages and obtain a position with cover in about midfield or in advance of midfield if possible. He said after beginning well, SKY GEM was able to take up a forward position and shortly after the start he commenced to steady his mount to obtain cover. He said when MAGNETISM was aggressively ridden to SKY GEM’s inside, he was required to ride his mount along to clear that horse which resulted in SKY GEM being in a more forward position than had been intended. He added after SKY GEM was badly hampered near the 1350 Metres, the horse was required to race wide and without cover for the remainder of the race and did not travel comfortably thereafter. A veterinary inspection of SKY GEM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, Z Purton stated that CHEERFUL STAR did not travel well at any stage of the race. He said he had to ride his mount along vigorously in the early stages in an attempt to obtain a more forward position, however, CHEERFUL STAR was reluctant to improve its position. He said the horse raced with its head up for most of the event and then after being placed under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of CHEERFUL STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CHEERFUL STAR, favourite for today’s race and which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CHEERFUL STAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, C Y Ho stated that after travelling satisfactorily throughout the race, EXALTATION lay in under pressure and did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of EXALTATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MAGNETISM and HAY RUN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of STRONG ALLIANCE immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, STRONG ALLIANCE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CHEERFUL STAR, FORTUNE PATROL and AMAZING AGILITY were sent for sampling.