05/02/2023  Shatin  Race 5

TIER GOODY shifted in at the start and bumped SUPER HIGHWAY. On jumping, TIMESTORM was crowded for room between FUN TOGETHER and GALVANIC which was hampered and taken out by HAPPY FAT CAT which jumped awkwardly and shifted out abruptly. Soon after the start, MASTER OF LUCK was hampered when bumped by CHILLI BABA which shifted in. ROYAL AGILITY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. TIER GOODY raced keenly in the early stages and near the 900 Metres was steadied to avoid the heels of TIMESTORM which shifted in. MASTER OF LUCK raced keenly near the 900 Metres and soon after making the turn passing the 900 Meters was hampered when carried out slightly by SMART LEADER which also when racing keenly shifted out. Approaching the 400 Metres, SUPER HIGHWAY was awkwardly placed on the heels of CHILLI BABA and was shifted to the outside of that runner to secure clear running. TELECOM MISSILE was held up for clear running from the 400 Metres to the 300 Metres. Near the 350 Metres, TIMESTORM and CHILLI BABA brushed due to CHILLI BABA shifting in slightly. Approaching the 100 Metres, MASTER OF LUCK was steadied and shifted to the inside of SPEEDY FORTUNE to continue into clear running. After the race, C Y Ho reported that CHILLI BABA raced wide and hung out throughout the middle stages after making the turn near the 900 Metres. He said as a result CHILLI BABA made the Home Turn wide and came under pressure in the Straight. He added that due to its wide run and racing manners, CHILLI BABA did not finish the race off as anticipated. A veterinary inspection of CHILLI BABA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CHILLI BABA, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CHILLI BABA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MASTER OF LUCK immediately following the race found that horse to have an epiglottic entrapment. SUPER HIGHWAY, HAPPY FAT CAT and GALVANIC were sent for sampling.