10/10/2021  Shatin  Race 7

When proceeding to the barriers, SPLENDID LIVING bumped the running rail which resulted in A Hamelin being dislodged without incident. On arrival at the barriers, SPLENDID LIVING was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was suitable to race. ELON began awkwardly. RIGHT HONOURABLE lost ground when crowded for room shortly after the start between GOLD COMET and INVINCIBLE MISSILE which shifted out after being brushed by TRUE LEGEND. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, GAMEPLAYER TIMES was slow to muster speed and passing the winning post on the first occasion was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Also despite being ridden along in the early stages, PARTY EVERYDAY was slow to muster speed. Approaching the 1000 Metres, SPLENDID LIVING raced close to the heels of CHANCHENG PRINCE. Making the turn approaching the 700 Metres, INVINCIBLE MISSILE raced tight inside the heels of SPLENDID LIVING which got its head on the side and lay in despite the efforts of its rider. GAMEPLAYER TIMES got its head on the side and lay out making the turn after the 600 Metres. Passing the 150 Metres, CHANCHENG PRINCE shifted out a number of horses under pressure. Throughout the race, CHANCHENG PRINCE travelled wide and without cover. Also throughout the race, ELITE PATCH travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground and finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of ELITE PATCH, RIGHT HONOURABLE and SPLENDID LIVING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performances of ELITE PATCH as well as RIGHT HONOURABLE and SPLENDID LIVING, all of which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ELITE PATCH, RIGHT HONOURABLE and SPLENDID LIVING 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, J Moreira stated that as ULTRA EXPRESS was not travelling well behind runners in the middle stages, he elected to shift his mount out a number of horses approaching the 1000 Metres to avoid the kickback and have ULTRA EXPRESS travel better. A veterinary inspection of ELON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CHANCHENG PRINCE and ULTRA EXPRESS were sent for sampling.