27/02/2022  Shatin  Race 3

ISLAND SHINE began only fairly and then from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. AURORA HERO, which also began only fairly, shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of FLYING DRAGON. HAPPY FAT CAT shifted out on jumping and inconvenienced STAR OF YUEN LONG. VAMOS shifted out on jumping and bumped ARES which became unbalanced. Despite being vigorously ridden for some distance in the early stages, FLYING ON THE TURF became detached from the field in the early and middle stages. Rounding the Home Turn, SERGEANT PEPPER raced in restricted room between VAMOS and HAPPY FAT CAT which shifted out. Passing the 250 Metres, FLYING DRAGON was directed to the outside of THUNDERSTRIKE to obtain clear running. Throughout the race, VAMOS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, R Maia stated that when being ridden along out of the barriers to obtain a forward position, HAPPY FAT CAT raced with its head on the side and was reluctant to shift over towards the running rail. He said for this reason he changed his whip into his left hand approaching the 1000 Metres. He said he was able to shift HAPPY FAT CAT over towards the rail, after the 1000 Metres, however, the horse was inclined to lay out in the middle stages. He said rounding the Home Turn HAPPY FAT CAT lay out despite his efforts which resulted in a run becoming available to the inside of HAPPY FAT CAT. He said HAPPY FAT CAT was having its first race start around a turn today and, in his opinion, the horse is still green which resulted in HAPPY FAT CAT not being able to rail as well as hoped. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY FAT CAT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SERGEANT PEPPER, FIERY DIAMOND and FLYING ON THE TURF immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FIERY DIAMOND, EIGHT TRIGRAMS and THUNDERSTRIKE were sent for sampling.