12/02/2023  Shatin  Race 5

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that HOODABUTTA had sustained an abrasion to the poll. HOODABUTTA was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. COMMANDING MISSILE jumped awkwardly and soon after was crowded for room between NOBLE ONE and BRILLIANT PIONEER which jumped awkwardly and shifted out. CHARMING STEED jumped awkwardly and shortly after the start shifted out abruptly. From the outside barrier, HOODABUTTA was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After being ridden along in the early stages to maintain its position, M M NEBULA commenced to race keenly making the turn near the 700 Metres and as a result was checked away from the heels of COLOURFUL PRINCE. M M NEBULA then shifted out, resulting in NOBLE ONE being crowded between M M NEBULA and CHARMING STEED. BRILLIANT PIONEER, which was following, was steadied as a consequence. CHARMING STEED, which was inclined to lay in over the final 100 Metres, was shifted to the outside of CALIFORNIA CONCORD near the 50 Metres to continue into clear running. ADEFILL was obliged to race wide and without cover for the majority of the event. After the race, Z Purton reported that STAND UP raced "flat” today and was disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of STAND UP immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. The performance of STAND UP, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, STAND UP will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after the race, A Hamelin reported that COLOURFUL PRINCE was fractious in the barriers and as a consequence was slow to begin. He said he was able to ride COLOURFUL PRINCE forward and obtain a position behind the leaders at which point COLOURFUL PRINCE travelled comfortably. He added that when asked for an effort in the Straight COLOURFUL PRINCE did not respond to his riding and, in his opinion, although being slow to begin, still raced in a disappointing manner. A veterinary inspection of COLOURFUL PRINCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of COLOURFUL PRINCE, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, COLOURFUL PRINCE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Following the race, HOODABUTTA was reported to have bled from both nostrils. STAND UP, ADEFILL and HAPPY TANGO were sent for sampling.