09/11/2019  Shatin  Race 2

Just prior to the start being effected, ROCKAGE kicked out and then as the start was effected was slow to begin and lost a considerable amount of ground. Having regard to ROCKAGE’s previous record for being slow to jump, the Stewards ruled that the horse must barrier trial satisfactorily prior to being permitted to race again. VICTORIOUS SEEKER and YOUNG GLORY bumped at the start. From the outside barrier, VIRTUS STAR was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. THE JOY OF GIVING was also steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover. After the 1300 Metres, FRIENDS OF NANJING was taken wider by LIVERBIRD STAR which shifted out from behind GUERDON HELMET when travelling keenly. FRIENDS OF NANJING was then steadied to obtain a trailing position behind LIVERBIRD STAR near the 1200 Metres and got its head up and lay in towards the heels of that horse, resulting in FRIENDS OF NANJING being awkwardly placed near the heels of LIVERBIRD STAR. After the 1000 Metres, ROCKAGE commenced to travel keenly and shifted out away from the heels of VIRTUS STAR. After this, ROCKAGE travelled wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, VIRTUS STAR was awkwardly placed behind VICTORIOUS SEEKER and at the entrance to the Straight was shifted to the inside of that horse. When questioned regarding the improved performance of REEVE’S MUNTJAC, Trainer C H Yip stated that the horse had been disappointing it its prior races. He said the horse had been ridden in a forward position and from the rear in its races and had not finished off satisfactorily and therefore he issued no instructions to Jockey U Rispoli other than to have the horse travel wherever it was comfortable. He said he believed that REEVE’S MUNTJAC may have been aided by the step up in distance to 1800 Metres today, but nonetheless prior to the race he felt the horse was a place chance at best. A veterinary inspection of FRIENDS OF NANJING and YOUNG GLORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. REEVE’S MUNTJAC and REGENCY GEM were sent for sampling. <11/11/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Surgeon reported that THE JOY OF GIVING was lame its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, THE JOY OF GIVING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.