24/12/2022  Shatin  Race 6

WONDER YEARS jumped very awkwardly. A short distance after the start, CHATER PINS was tightened for room between KUNGFUMASTER PANDA which shifted out slightly and WINNING STEPS which shifted in before being straightened. Near the 1800 Metres PERFECT MARYKNOLL was tightened for room and lost ground when racing between FLYING MIGHTY and RIGHT AS RAIN (L Currie) which initially shifted in, however, was then also required to race in restricted room when racing tight to the inside of LUCKY VICTOR (H N Wong). On the evidence, the Stewards could not be satisfied, particularly assessing the video footage which was inconclusive, that any one rider could be held responsible for the incident. Nonetheless L Currie and H N Wong were both advised in similar circumstances to exercise far more care by leaving sufficient racing room for runners to their inside. CIRCUIT ELITE raced three wide in the early stages before obtaining a position outside the leader near the 1400 Metres. ROBOT WARRIOR, which was positioned back in the field, commenced to race three wide and without cover from the 1000 Metres. KOWLOON GREAT was held up rounding the Home Turn and failed to obtain clear running until approaching the 300 Metres. CHATER PINS was held up for clear running from the Home Turn until near the 300 Metres. Near the 300 Metres, RIGHT AS RAIN shifted in under pressure before being straightened by its rider, however, in doing so crowded RED ELYSEES, CIRCUIT ELITE and VINCY, resulting in them being hampered. FLYING MIGHTY, which was following, was steadied and shifted out and bumped KOWLOON GREAT. Approaching the 300 Metres, PERFECT MARYKNOLL, which was giving ground, was momentarily tightened for room between KUNGFUMASTER PANDA and ROBOT WARRIOR, both of which shifted ground under pressure. The performance of PERFECT MARYKNOLL which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT MARYKNOLL 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 PERFECT MARYKNOLL immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. The performance of LUCKY VICTOR, which also finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY VICTOR 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, L Currie (RIGHT AS RAIN) reported that he could not give any excuse for the horse’s performance today. He said RIGHT AS RAIN travelled well until entering the Straight, however, failed to respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of RIGHT AS RAIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CIRCUIT ELITE, RED ELYSEES and LUCKY VICTOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RIGHT AS RAIN, BRIGHT KID and KOWLOON GREAT were sent for sampling.