11/07/2021  Shatin  Race 10

GRATEFUL HEART began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped STRONGER. FAT TURTLE shifted out at the start and bumped VOYAGE WARRIOR. From the outside barriers, WISHFUL THINKER and RED DESERT were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 900 Metres, HANDSOME BO BO commenced to travel very keenly when being steadied to obtain cover. Near the 800 Metres, BUDDIES was left racing wide and without cover. At the entrance to the Straight, HONG KONG WIN was bumped by WISHFUL THINKER which shifted out to obtain clear running between that horse and BUDDIES. Passing the 400 Metres, GRATEFUL HEART raced tight outside HONG KONG WIN which shifted out under pressure. Also passing the 400 Metres, STRONGER improved into very tight running between SHINING ACE and HANDSOME BO BO, resulting in STRONGER bumping the hindquarters of SHINING ACE which became unbalanced. When improving into tight running, STRONGER was then crowded for room between SHINING ACE and HANDSOME BO BO which was taken out by LUCKY PATCH which shifted to the outside of COMPUTER PATCH to obtain clear running. As the Stewards were satisfied that STRONGER had not established running between SHINING ACE and HANDSOME BO BO prior to LUCKY PATCH shifting out, no further action was taken. Passing the 200 Metres, STRONGER raced tight inside SHINING ACE which lay in. When questioned, H T Mo stated that up in class today, he was asked to steady HINCHINLOVE in the early stages and obtain a position with cover in about midfield or behind midfield if possible. He said it was explained to him that there were a number of fast horses engaged in the race which were better drawn than HINCHINLOVE and were he to ride the horse to obtain a forward position from a wide barrier, it would likely be left racing wide and consequently would not be able to finish off the race. He said in accordance with his instructions he steadied HINCHINLOVE in the early stages and shifted his mount across behind runners after the 1100 Metres to obtain a position with cover at the rear of the field behind HONG KONG WIN. He said after the race HINCHINLOVE did not feel comfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of HINCHINLOVE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, HINCHINLOVE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of HANDSOME BO BO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY PATCH and STRONGER were sent for sampling.