05/05/2024  Shatin  Race 4

PACKING HURRICANE (H137): Passing the 350 Metres was directed to the outside of ORIENTAL SMOKE to obtain clear running. ILLUMINOUS (J170): On arrival at the Start, it was noted that ILLUMINOUS had lost its left front plate. This plate was refitted. ILLUMINOUS was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. Jumped only fairly. In the middle stages raced keenly. After the 600 Metres was badly crowded for room between STAR MAC and BILLIONAIRE SECRET (Y L Chung) which shifted to the outside of AFFORDABLE. Y L Chung was severely reprimanded. STAR MAC (J053): When questioned as to why his mount raced in a three wide position after starting from barrier 1, H Bowman stated that he was requested by connections to attempt to have his mount race away from the rail as STAR MAC has performed better when ridden in this manner. He stated that after travelling a short distance he shifted away from the rail with a view to obtaining a position behind the favourite in the event SUNSTRIDER. He said leaving the 1500 Metres his mount shifted out slightly which allowed ILLUMINOUS to improve to his inside and as a result he was then obliged to race three wide. He added that although he was obliged to travel wide in the event, he was satisfied with his position as his mount obtained cover behind KIMBERLEY, however, in the Home Straight STAR MAC finished the race off in a one-paced manner. Trainer D A Hayes confirmed the instructions issued. HOLY LAKE (H260): Sent for sampling post-race. EIGHTEEN CARAT (J104): Jumped only fairly. SUNSTRIDER (J168): When questioned regarding the performance, Z Purton stated that his mount was not suited by being positioned tight to the inside of KIMBERLEY throughout the event and also was disadvantaged in the Home Straight when it improved into a narrow run between HOLY LAKE and KIMBERLEY and was reluctant to proceed forward when it continued to race tight inside KIMBERLEY. Trainer D J Hall confirmed the instructions were to take up a midfield position, but agreed with Jockey Purton that his mount was disadvantaged by racing tight to the inside of KIMBERLEY in the Home Straight. Notwithstanding this, the Stewards determined the performance of SUNSTRIDER to be disappointing as compared to its previous race starts. Before being allowed to race again, SUNSTRIDER 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 immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Sent for sampling post-race. ORIENTAL SMOKE (E467): Sent for sampling post-race. AFFORDABLE (J242): Jumped only fairly. Crowded near the 300 Metres. BILLIONAIRE SECRET (G303): From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Held up for clear running making the Home Turn. Near the 300 Metres was steadied when crowded between SUNSTRIDER which shifted in and away from KIMBERLEY and AFFORDABLE which was taken out by PACKING HURRICANE (Apprentice E C W Wong). Apprentice Wong was severely reprimanded and advised he must ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground. KIMBERLEY (H329): Near the 250 Metres was steadied to avoid STAR MAC (H Bowman) which shifted in. H Bowman was advised to exercise more care. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.