06/11/2022  Shatin  Race 1

Trainer J Richards was fined a sum of $3,000 for presenting PRIDE OF DRAGON in the Parade Ring with a parade hood which is not part of the horse’s declared gear. SUPER CLASS began very awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of BEAUTY NOVA, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. SUPER CLASS and BEAUTY NOVA were then steadied a short distance after the start when crowded for room between ZACIAN which shifted out and TELECOM MISSILE which got its head on the side and lay in. HUNKY DORY shifted out on jumping and bumped M M JOHNNY which lost ground. M M JOHNNY was then shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier to obtain cover. Also from a wide barrier, DASHING GENIUS was steadied on jumping and shifted across behind runners. When being steadied to obtain cover behind MOON PEAKS shortly after the start, ZACIAN (M F Poon) travelled keenly. After the race, M F Poon reported that his saddle shifted to the left in the early stages, placing him at a disadvantage. After the 1000 Metres, ZACIAN raced tight inside HUNKY DORY which shifted in away from PRIDE OF DRAGON. Then making the turn near the 950 Metres, ZACIAN and HUNKY DORY were crowded for room inside PRIDE OF DRAGON (L Hewitson) which shifted in when not properly clear. L Hewitson was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. IRON KING, which was following HUNKY DORY, made the turn near the 900 Metres awkwardly when racing close to the heels of that horse. PRIDE OF DRAGON lost its right hind plate near the 800 Metres. After the 800 Metres, HUNKY DORY travelled wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, PRIDE OF DRAGON raced tight outside SMART LEADER which shifted to the outside of TELECOM MISSILE to obtain clear running. Passing the 400 Metres, M M JOHNNY momentarily raced in restricted room between ZACIAN and BEAUTY NOVA which shifted out before being corrected. A veterinary inspection of IRON KING 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, IRON KING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MOON PEAKS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SMART LEADER and M M JOHNNY were sent for sampling.