19/09/2021  Shatin  Race 2

KOWLOON EAST STAR shifted out abruptly at the start, resulting in MASTER AQUA being hampered when crowded for room inside SPARTAN MISSILE which shifted out after being brushed by MASTER AQUA. CIRCUIT SEVEN shifted out at the start and hampered CORDYCEPS SIX. Shortly after the start, G ONE EXCELLENT shifted out and inconvenienced FOXHUNTER WAY. KOWLOON EAST STAR lost its right front plate shortly after the start. Passing the 950 Metres, CORDYCEPS SIX raced tight outside CIRCUIT SEVEN which shifted out. Passing the 700 Metres, FOXHUNTER WAY was checked and lost ground when crowded for room between GLENEALY GENERALS and G ONE EXCELLENT which was taken out by CORDYCEPS SIX which in turn was taken out by SPARTAN MISSILE which, when being crossed by CARRY THE DIAMOND, got is head on the side and shifted out. As the Stewards were satisfied that the rider of SPARTAN MISSILE was making every endeavour to prevent his mount from shifting out and rather it was a case of SPARTAN MISSILE racing greenly at this time and laying out, no further action was taken. Passing the 500 Metres, CORDYCEPS SIX raced tight outside the heels of MASTER AQUA which itself was racing tight outside EIGHT TRIGRAMS. Approaching the 300 Metres, CORDYCEPS SIX was steadied and directed in a number of horses to obtain clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, CORDYCEPS SIX shifted out and brushed EIGHT TRIGRAMS. Passing the 100 Metres, MASTER AQUA was steadied when tightened for room between CARRY THE DIAMOND (M Chadwick) which shifted in under pressure and EIGHT TRIGRAMS which shifted out marginally. M Chadwick was told that whilst the shift from EIGHT TRIGRAMS had contributed to this crowding, nonetheless he must ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. Passing the 50 Metres, CORDYCEPS SIX got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly under pressure. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GLENEALY GENERALS, J Moreira stated that his mount travelled satisfactorily in the early and middle stages when racing behind CIRCUIT SEVEN. He said after shifting to the inside of that horse approaching the 400 Metres, GLENEALY GENERALS was able to obtain clear running, however, when placed under pressure after the 400 Metres did not respond to his riding and after this was very disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. He added he was not able to offer any explanation for the horse’s disappointing run. A veterinary inspection GLENEALY GENERALS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of GLENEALY GENERALS, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GLENEALY GENERALS 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 MASTER AQUA and CIRCUIT SEVEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GLENEALY GENERALS, CORDYCEPS SIX and SMART IDEA were sent for sampling.