19/09/2021  Shatin  Race 3

SINCERE BOY was withdrawn on 18.9.21 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, SINCERE BOY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CROWN AVENUE shifted out at the start and hampered LUCKY PUZZLE. From a wide barrier, AMAZING BOY was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages and lost its left front plate. Despite being vigorously ridden along for some distance in the early stages, CROWN AVENUE failed to muster speed. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, TURF BRILLIANT momentarily raced in restricted room between MISTER MONTE which shifted out and EL VALIENTE which was racing tight inside APOLAR WARRIOR. Making the turn after the winning post on the first occasion, APOLAR WARRIOR was bumped by ALL BEST FRIENDS which was racing tight inside ZELUS. EL VALIENTE, which was racing inside APOLAR WARRIOR, was inconvenienced in consequence. Near the 1450 Metres, ZELUS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY VICTOR (M L Yeung) which shifted in when not properly clear. M L Yeung was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. T Piccone (ZELUS) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 1400 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of APOLAR WARRIOR, causing that horse to be taken in across the rightful running of EL VALIENTE which was checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. In the circumstances, T Piccone was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 6 October 2021 and to expire on Monday, 11 October 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). Approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, RUBY STARS, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed behind LUCKY VICTOR. Near the 750 Metres, AMAZING BOY raced tight outside TURF BRILLIANT which shifted out marginally. Throughout the race, LUCKY PUZZLE travelled wide and without cover. After the race, Z Purton stated that after being checked near the 1400 Metres, EL VALIENTE travelled satisfactorily and after coming under pressure prior to the Home Turn finished off the race only fairly. He added that he had ridden EL VALIENTE in a barrier trial in the lead up to today’s race and that trial was good, however, he felt that the horse may improve on today’s race. A veterinary inspection of EL VALIENTE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MISTER MONTE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. EL VALIENTE, APOLAR WARRIOR and CROWN AVENUE were sent for sampling.