28/11/2021  Shatin  Race 7

CIRCUIT THREE was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, FAST MOST FURIOUS was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. When being steadied to obtain cover, FAST MOST FURIOUS, which was behind THE ROCK, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. After being ridden along in the early stages, THE ROCK was steadied for some distance after the 1400 Metres to obtain cover behind NOT USUAL TALENT. At the entrance to the Straight, EXCELLENT PROPOSAL shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of BUDDIES when endeavouring to improve between that horse and KINGS SHIELD. After this, EXCELLENT PROPOSAL raced in restricted room as EXCELLENT PROPOSAL continued to attempt to establish running between those horses. Then after the 400 Metres, EXCELLENT PROPOSAL was checked and lost ground when unable to continue to improve between BUDDIES which shifted in as a result of becoming unbalanced due to being bumped by EXCELLENT PROPOSAL and KINGS SHIELD which, when commencing to give ground, shifted out marginally away from SILVER EXPRESS. As the Stewards were of the opinion that EXCELLENT PROPOSAL had not properly established running between KINGS SHIELD and BUDDIES, no further action was taken. M Chadwick (BUDDIES) explained that after being led into the incorrect stall (8), he was distracted as a result of BUDDIES proving very fractious which resulted in the bit being dislodged from the horse’s mouth. He said because of this he was unaware that he had been led into the incorrect stall. BUDDIES was removed from the barriers, the bit was refitted and the horse was then loaded into the correct stall (6). Both M Chadwick and Mr A Speechley, the Starter, were reminded of the obligations on the respected parties to ensure that horses are led into the correct stall. After the race, Z Purton reported that, in his opinion, LUCKY EXPRESS did not see out the 1600 Metres of today’s race. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY EXPRESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BUDDIES and KINGS SHIELD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SILVER EXPRESS and EXCELLENT PROPOSAL were sent for sampling.