10/06/2023  Shatin  Race 5

ULTRA EXPRESS jumped awkwardly From the outside barrier, SUN OF MAKFI was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1000 Metres, RELIABLE PROFIT commenced to race keenly and was steadied away from COLOURFUL BARON. KYRUS UNICORN, which was following RELIABLE PROFIT and was also racing keenly, was steadied away from the heels of that runner and shifted out. A short distance later, KYRUS UNICORN was then checked to avoid MISSION BRAVO. ULTRA EXPRESS, which was following KYRUS UNICORN, shifted out and hampered EL VALIENTE. After the race, L Hewitson (KYRUS UNICORN) reported that his mount struck heels in this incident and blundered. In the middle stages, COLOURFUL BARON raced keenly outside the lead. The Stewards opened an inquiry into the reasons for RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE (B Avdulla) and RELIABLE PROFIT (M F Poon) making contact for some distance in the Home Straight. On the evidence, it was established that near the 400 Metres RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE shifted to the outside of AMAZING TEENS to secure clear running when there was not quite sufficient room to do so which resulted in RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE making contact with RELIABLE PROFIT, turning RELIABLE PROFIT in towards RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE. As a result, RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE and RELIABLE PROFIT then raced tight and made contact between the 400 Metres and the 200 Metres. Near the 200 Metres, due to heavy contact between RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE and RELIABLE PROFIT, B Avdulla explained that he became unbalanced and as a result his weight shifted out towards M F Poon before both runners separated near the 100 Metres. After considering all the evidence, the Stewards issued a severe reprimand against Jockey Avdulla and advised that in similar circumstances he must stop riding and straighten his mount to give the runner to his outside room sooner than he did on this occasion. The Stewards were satisfied that although Jockey Avdulla’s left arm and knee extended out towards RELIABLE PROFIT near the 200 Metres, such actions were due to B Avdulla becoming unbalanced. MISSION BRAVO raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. The performance of PERFECT ROCK, which finished tailed out on the second occasion in its recent starts, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT ROCK will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a series of consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, H Bowman (AMAZING TEENS) reported that, in his opinion, his mount was feeling the effects of a number of starts this preparation and as a result did not finish the race off as expected. A veterinary inspection of AMAZING TEENS immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, AMAZING TEENS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after the race, C Wong (LUCKY VICTOR) stated that his mount was pressured in the lead in the early stages by COLOURFUL BARON and as a result was left without a finishing effort. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY VICTOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Following the race, it was reported that ULTRA EXPRESS had bled from both nostrils and that COLOURFUL BARON had sustained a laceration to the left hind leg. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on KYRUS UNICORN at the request of Trainer D J Hall. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, KYRUS UNICORN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MISSION BRAVO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AMAZING TEENS, TURQUOISE ALPHA and EL VALIENTE were sent for sampling.