24/09/2023  Shatin  Race 6

After being loaded into the barriers, CALIFORNIA DEEPLY (B Avdulla) became fractious. CALIFORNIA DEEPLY was then removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA DEEPLY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. After the race, B Avdulla was examined by the Chief Medical Officer who advised that the jockey was not fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements. COTTON FINGERS was slow to begin. METRO WARRIOR knuckled on jumping. EXPLOSIVE WITNESS was crowded at the start between SHINING FORTUNE and CALIFORNIA DEEPLY. Near the 800 Metres, HAPPY MISSION became unbalanced and lost ground when crowded by PLEASANT ENDEAVOR when that runner was taken out by AMAZING ROCKY which was eased slightly and shifted out when crossed by SPARKLING KNIGHT (A Hamelin). A Hamelin was advised to ensure that he is clear when shifting ground. Between the 300 Metres and the 100 Metres, EXPLOSIVE WITNESS was held up for clear running. FLYING HIGH was held up for clear running between SINBA and CHEVAL VALIANT from the 300 Metres and could not be fully tested for the remainder of the event. RUN RUN COOL was held up for clear running between the 250 Metres and the 100 Metres. When placed under pressure near the 150 Metres, COTTON FINGERS lay out and proved difficult to ride out for the remainder of the event. After the race, Apprentice Y L Chung (PLEASANT ENDEAVOR) could offer no explanation for his mount’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of PLEASANT ENDEAVOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, L Hewitson (CHEVAL VALIANT) reported that his mount came under pressure near the 400 Metres and did not respond to his riding from that point. He added that, in his opinion, CHEVAL VALIANT would derive benefit from today’s first up performance. A veterinary inspection of CHEVAL VALIANT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of RUN RUN COOL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RUN RUN COOL, SPARKLING KNIGHT and COTTON FINGERS were sent for sampling.